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Remembering

Dutch by Black Newf Photography -- FB 2-4-16orange_logo_web_The_Pongo_Fund_Dutch__BNP7585-Edit (2) -- FB 6-19-15; 2-4-16It was about 18 months ago. June, 2014. Remember? Francis and Dutch, the two and four-legged long-haul truck drivers. During their Portland stop Francis ended up in the emergency room. Dutch got left behind in the truck.

That’s where he remained. Alone. In a strange place. All night long. Nearly 15 hours.

Early the next morning Francis had the good fortune to connect with Sarah as one of his physicians. This proud US Veteran told her his worry. Dutch. Still in the truck. That’s all he cared about.

He was fighting for his own health and Dutch was the only thing he cared about. The sun was coming up. It would be too warm. Sarah got it right away.

She called Pongo. From right there in the hospital she made that call. Why Pongo? Because Sarah is Pongo too. She’s been one of us for years. Pongo Family. But she could not leave to help because she had a whole floor of patients. And her professional oath was to them.

Things moved fast. A rush to the emergency room to talk with Francis while he could still talk. And then a mad dash to a huge truck parking lot to find his truck in the midst of thousands of others. Trucks and trailers that all looked pretty much the same to me.

It was in the corner, all by itself. I remember like it was yesterday. I revisit that moment often, the moment I opened the door and crossed my fingers it would all be ok. From there we got Dutch to Sniff Dog Hotel. They were waiting for him. And they had already decided he would stay long as needed. And there would not be a bill.

He got bathed and brushed and he sat in laps. He got kisses, lots and lots of kisses. He enjoyed days and nights of luxury and love. He trusted. He lived it up big time.

Every day I gave Francis an update, telling him about Dutch and his days. Francis loved those updates. Only wishing he could do his own recovery at Sniff instead of the hospital.

I visited and walked Dutch every day. We had long conversations. The best part? His suite had a huge window that looked north, directly at the hospital where his Dad was recovering. He knew.

More than a million people followed that love and rescue story on our FB page. By saving one, we saved both. And that was the best part. Francis was safe. Now Dutch was safe too. And that meant Francis could focus on his own healing, because he needed a lot of it.

Soon as Francis was released from the hospital he went straight to Sniff Dog Hotel to see Dutch. TV stations covered the joyful reunion. There were plenty of tears. From me too. I loved Dutch so much. And he knew that.

They went home to recover; that took some time. Francis finally got clearance to drive again and fast as they could he and Dutch hit the road. Because that’s what they loved.

Dutch and Francis. Francis and Dutch. Being behind the wheel of the big rigs. Doing what they do. And doing it together. With love.

Those are the stories I like to revisit to recharge my spirit, my heart. They remind me of how much you and we have been able to do together. The difference we have made for so many.

Those two will always be extra special. The trust Francis placed in me, giving me the keys to his truck. The trust Dutch placed in me, leaping into my arms when I opened the door.

I think about them all the time, reaching out every now and then to say hi, to see how they’re doing. And always so happy to hear they’re doing well.

Such good souls, those two. Such good souls.

And that’s why it caught my attention right away yesterday when I saw the email. I opened it quick as I could because their updates always brought me joy.

Dutch passed away yesterday morning. It was quick. He did not suffer. They wanted us to know because they knew how much we loved him. We all did.

Another one has joined the Rainbow Bridge Welcoming Team. What a great team that must be! In a way, this one makes sense. Because so many have crossed that Bridge lately.

So I’m thinking the treat supplies must be getting low. And there’s a big truckload ready to go. But how to get them there? Dispatch called Dutch. He answered the call. The treats are on the way!

To Francis and your Family, please know that we share in this loss with you. And to the entire Keeshond community we offer our condolences to you as well. Because we know Dutch was your dog too.

The Pongo Fund is a Pet Food Bank. And so much more. Doing all we can to make a difference. For Dutch. For Francis.

And this is why we Pongo.

Sit. Stay. Eat. Live. thepongofund.org

#pongo #dog #dutch #keeshond #rescue #love #portland #sniffdoghotel #sarah #francis