Our dogs are our family and we always wish to remain united. Nothing would ever feel the same without our closest companions.
James Wathen faced an unavoidable separation from his beloved and faithful dog, Bubba. Their sudden distance affected both of them deeply, but their affection and unbreakable connection brought them back into each other’s lives once more.
Here lies their tale.
Bubba
James Wathen has always been deeply connected to Bubba, his eight-year-old, one-eyed Chihuahua. He never wished to be parted from him. Bubba helped him navigate the sorrow after his cherished Pomeranian passed away.
Dennis Elswick, who was raised by Wathen, understood that Wathen needed another furry companion, so he gifted him his wife’s dog, Bubba. After Bubba moved, Elswick’s other canine, Ozzy, felt depressed and disoriented. He longed for his buddy.
Upon learning about Ozzy’s heartbreak, Wathen agreed with Diane’s proposal to bring Ozzy to his home. The two dogs were ecstatic to be reunited. Their expressions shone with happiness.
The three resided together in Wathen’s residence.
Sadly, 2014 proved to be a challenging year for both Wathen and Bubba. In March, they bid farewell to Ozzy, who ascended to the heavens. Losing him brought them even closer since now, they were each other’s only companions.
In mid-September 2014, Wathen discovered he was terminally ill and was admitted to Baptist Health Corbin in Corbin, Kentucky.
Yearning To See His Best Friend
While he was in the hospital, he frequently thought of his treasured dog, Bubba. He was unaware of Bubba’s whereabouts and he missed him deeply. Seeing his dog was the only thing that could bring him joy.
Upon hearing this, the hospital staff embarked on a mission to locate his dog. They aimed to uplift his spirits. Wathen’s condition deteriorated. He ceased eating and was barely able to speak above a whisper.
Following some inquiries, they succeeded in tracking down Bubba, who was at the Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter in foster care.
The rescue organization contacted Bubba’s foster family, who immediately consented to let Bubba pay a visit to his owner. Bubba was facing difficulties as well, missing his owner and also refusing to eat.
Reunion
The much-anticipated day of the reunion arrived. Bubba was brought to the hospital, and the nurses wrapped him in a baby blanket. He appeared very despondent and was trembling.
“The instant we got within about 20 steps of this guy’s room… his little head lifted. His eyes brightened and he seemed like a completely different dog,” shared shelter president Mary Ann Smyth.
Both Wathen and Bubba were rejuvenated, their sadness vanished.
A few days later, Bubba visited his owner once more. The hospital staff rejoiced to see Wathen sitting in his bed after so long.
“When Bubba was brought to James, he started to cry, and then Bubba nestled up to James, reminding us that animals are not merely pets, but cherished family members,” Deanna Myers, Director of the Knox Whitley Animal Shelter, wrote on Facebook.
Wathen and Bubba were overjoyed at their reunion. Bubba was lifted onto his owner’s hospital bed. His tail wagged enthusiastically as he licked Wathen’s face, and Wathen lovingly petted and played with him.
After Bubba’s second visit, Wathen felt a sense of peace, began eating again, and resumed speaking. Faithful Bubba kept visiting his devoted human until Wathen passed away in November 2014.
Following the heartbreaking news about Wathen’s passing, the Elswicks took their dear Bubba with them to Florida. They were grateful that their beloved Chihuahua brought immense joy to his devoted owner.
It was time for Bubba to embark on a new chapter with his forever family… a life teeming with happiness that he truly deserved.