Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

They traffic in fear. it is their only currency. if we are fearful, they are winning.

I like you, you’re my kind of trouble.

Republicans don’t want a speaker to lead them; they want a hostage.

That’s my take and I am available for criticism at this time.

Black Jesus loves a paper trail.

No one could have predicted…

“More of this”, i said to the dog.

You cannot shame the shameless.

But frankly mr. cole, I’ll be happier when you get back to telling us to go fuck ourselves.

Not so fun when the rabbit gets the gun, is it?

rich, arrogant assholes who equate luck with genius

The revolution will be supervised.

Schmidt just says fuck it, opens a tea shop.

Russian mouthpiece, go fuck yourself.

People are complicated. Love is not.

The cruelty is the point; the law be damned.

Optimism opens the door to great things.

When your entire life is steeped in white supremacy, equality feels like discrimination.

You can’t attract Republican voters. You can only out organize them.

Presidents are not kings, and Plaintiff is not President.

“But what about the lurkers?”

Prediction: the GOP will rethink its strategy of boycotting future committees.

I’ve spoken to my cat about this, but it doesn’t seem to do any good.

Tick tock motherfuckers!

You are here: Home / Pet Blogging / Dog Blogging / J.J. The Hospice Therapy Dog

Reader Interactions

57Comments

  6. 6.

    eric

    With dog and Yeats, the bond to break
    a lingering hand to touch love pure
    tears cried with smile adorned
    to peace,
    to peace,
    to peace, evermore.

  8. 8.

    MazeDancer

    Since it’s a doggie pic thread, if anyone knows how to reach commenter Humdog who was looking for a good girl pup in the San Fran/Bay Area, this very cute black Shepherd mix who loves other dogs and like to snuggle just came up on Twitter.

  9. 9.

    Skyweaver

    This video made their fb page take off. People like me joined after we saw it. Scroll through their fb page for an occasional lovely story of JJs hospice work.

  11. 11.

    greennotGreen

    I’m not having a very good day, and when I’m weak and/or uncomfortable, I’m less optimistic about the future. I think for me one of the hardest parts about facing death will be having to rehome my many pets. Of course, I hope we can forestall that day.

  14. 14.

    Pogonip

    I’ve been home sick since Saturday. So, I thought I’d try “Under the Dome” again. I was forced to give up due to the loud gobbling sounds emanating from my Kindle–sorry, Uncle Stevie, that one’s a real turkey–but this seems a good place to mention that, if you can get a real copy from the library (for God’s sake don’t pay for it) that you can flip through, there are 2 good scenes from the point of view of a dog. Well worth reading if you like dogs. He should have stuck with the interesting idea of dogs interacting with the next world and unloaded the unbelievable humans.

  15. 15.

    greennotGreen

    Hospice workers, both dogs and humans, are angels on earth! My father took a week to die (active dying), and having someone to guide us through the process was extremely helpful.

  20. 20.

    debit

    @Pogonip: He’s really good! I emailed an update to John, but long story short: he’s moving a bit better, trying to chase squirrels, barks at the door to be let in, and is all around awesome.

  21. 21.

    Steeplejack (phone)

    @greennotGreen:

    I feel confident in saying that when the time comes the incredible community that is Balloon Juice would be very willing and able to get all of your pets rehomed quickly and safely. You need to make sure you know when that time is and/or leave instructions for someone.

  22. 22.

    Mnemosyne

    @greennotGreen:

    You may want to ask your vet or call your local animal shelter and see if there are any pet pre-planning services available near you. It’s one of the main concerns of seriously ill people so some places are now offering resources so you can at least have that weight off your mind. Good luck!

  23. 23.

    CONGRATULATIONS!

    I am hellbent determined that I will outlive any pets I may have when that time comes, but damn, it would sure be nice to have a dog there at the last. A nice golden or lab. Just not one of the guide dogs I’ve raised. I don’t think they need to deal with that.

    This is a very emotionally hard job for a dog. Don’t think it doesn’t affect them. It probably does so more than it does us. Hope that canine hero gets to go home to a nice loving house full of activity and treats.

  29. 29.

    debit

    @Pogonip: I follow Eldad Hagar (Hope for Paws) on youtube. Some of the dogs he’s rescued make Walter’s situation almost pleasant in comparison.

  32. 32.

    JR in WV

    @dedc79:

    National Review (aka Nationally Reviled)… here’s their page about it, with some commentary I felt compelled to contribute:

    POLL: Should Hillary Be Impeached?
    ….

    POLL: Should Hillary Be Barred From the Presidency?*

    [Note that there are two different but impossible questions here. The first one is bogus as Secretary Clinton doesn’t currently hold an office in which she may be impeached. The second one is something which is currently impossible under America’s system of government! ]

    Yes
    No
    Not sure

    Name*
    First Name
    Last Name
    Email*

    *By submitting your email address, you agree to receive exclusive content from National Review.

    [Note here that you can’t vote without submitting an email address, and agreeing to be bombarded with Nationally Reviled spam! ]

    What a total pile of horsecrap!!! No wonder most people think of this rag as Nationally Reviled!!

  33. 33.

    Mnemosyne

    Speaking of Facebook, People of New York has been highlighting a new veterans’ charity called The Headstrong Project that is specifically set up to help veterans struggling with PTSD and other post-combat mental health issues. So far, it looks pretty good, and the guy who does PONY generally does his homework before agreeing to highlight an organization.

  36. 36.

    Hillary Rettig

    @greennotGreen: I’m so sorry you’re having a bad day. I actually don’t know your story as others here seem to. If you’d be willing to share I’d appreciate it. (Or email me if preferred.)

  38. 38.

    Pogonip

    @debit: I’m not surprised. We used to watch Animal Precinct. I couldn’t have done that job. I’d have been dispensing street justice the first day.

  39. 39.

    Hillary Rettig

    @WereBear: When my dad was in the nursing home, we used to bring Elvis the basset hound in to visit him. The whole place came alive whenever he showed up. Patients who were normally unresponsive to much would call him, talk to him, sing to him, etc. It was incredible.

  40. 40.

    Hillary Rettig

    @debit: wow, what wonderful progress! best wishes to everyone involved! (even the squirrels, whom I’m guessing don’t feel particularly endangered :-))

  42. 42.

    debit

    @raven: Maybe everyone is joining Minnesota in mourning the death of our football season and are crying bitter tears of bewilderment and despair.

  49. 49.

    Patricia Kayden

    @Pogonip: I recently read “Under the Dome”. Was alright but I didn’t like the ending or the explanation of how the dome came into existence. I recall a couple of years ago that CBS tried (unsuccessfully) to turn the book into a miniseries.

    @greennotGreen: ((greennotGreen)) Sending warm thoughts your way.

  50. 50.

    Patricia Kayden

    @JR in WV: Wasn’t it National Review which published a whole #NeverTrump issue? It’s astonishing that they are going after Clinton in such an ugly, partisan way even before she’s in office. That may be naivete on my part given how much hatred has been directed towards the Clintons for the last 30 years. Still looking forward to her whooping Trump’s behind in November and picking the next Supreme Court Justices. She can handle the haters.

  51. 51.

    Keith G

    I used to work with a hospice cat named Patches, now deceased. Patches was very friendly and would spend extra cuddle time with our most fragile residents. Often, he would become a constant companion to those who had come to the end of their time with us. He was an amazing being.

  52. 52.

    Pogonip

    @Patricia Kayden: I didn’t like the original, a Twilight Zone episode called “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street,” either. In both versions everyone flips out too darn fast. Also, in the King version, the town had an unbelievably high number of sociopathic residents. Both King and Serling could do, and did, a lot better.

    But I loved the two dog scenes.

  55. 55.

    Prescott Cactus

    If you have an incredible dog or cat that is gentle and loves to held, volunteering for a hospice would be a pretty rewarding gig..

    I doubt all hospice organizations have pet programs, but it’s likely a short class for you and your animal if you find one.

    Enjoy !

  56. 56.

    Karen marie

    Looking for something nice to listen to? You can’t go wrong with Mil Nicholson at Librivox. I’m almost to the end of Dombey and Son. It’s so sad. I hope everything works out in the end!

  57. 57.

    Tracy C.

    @eric, that was awesome! It’s an incredibly touching and powerfully intimate moment that I am so thankful to have captured over two years ago. JJ’s welfare comes first and she probably has a more balanced life than most of us. She often is the one bright thing people remember during a very sad time.

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