Our famous canine friend Edgar had a stroke last night. His loving owner and companion is heartbroken. She doesn’t know if he will live or die. Edgar, a deaf and abandoned dog had a very hard life. The last 10 weeks were wonderful, thanks to Cynthia.
I’m hoping for praying for more. These two deserve more time together.
Cynthia Daniello is on my list of the world’s most courageous, compassionate, and strong people. She lives in Virginia by herself in a retirement community, she is in her eighties and needs a wheelchair to get around.
She is a retired vet tech, true animal lover.
Her dog died last year and she grieved deeply, then spent months looking for another. You know the story.
Like so many elderly people, she has endured the bigotry and short-sightedness of animal rescue groups, who routinely keep animal lovers and orphaned dogs apart with their irrational unknowing rules.
They keep some of the best dog lovers in the world – selfless people like Cynthia – from some of the neediest dogs.
Cynthia is not easily deterred.
She finally found a shelter that would give her an abandoned dog in need of a home, she fell in love, named him Edgard, and took him home. The shelter was delighted to get rid of him.
Edgard was a handful, and a lesser human would have returned him quickly. He bit her on the first night, went after her cat, didn’t seem to know any commands, and she learned a few days later that he was deaf, which no one in his fairly long life seemed to notice.
Cynthia was a regular contributor to my several attempts at hosting a radio show.
She is an amazing human being.
We fell in love with one another from afar, and me and many others came to look forward to her loving but determined and very up-and-down campaign to turn Edgar around. He turned out to be a sweetheart in desperate need of someone who would take the time and make the effort to communicate with him.
It was really starting to work. Cynthia, using sound vibrations, hand signals, and lights, turned Edgar around, although she was still working on the cat. It was the happiest dog-human story one could imagine, this troubled, neglected animal had fallen into the hand of an angel.
I got this message this morning and it broke my heart. I share with you in the hope that you will help me think about Edgar at this time and thing good thoughts for him, and offer prayers if you are so inclined. I think Cynthia could use some encouragement as well: Her e-mail is [email protected].
This dog was very important to this remarkable woman, she fought and worked so hard for him, and came to love her dearly. Think of him and her if you can today and send her some good thoughts if you able.
“Jon, just to let you know Edgar had a series of mini-strokes today. My Vet was here. she said it is different in dogs than in people.
I was hoping when Edgar woke off balance this morning that it was his bad ear. Dr. Watkins said his heart is racing and all
symptoms indicate this series of strokes. She gave him a large injection of steroid. He should show improvement in 24-48 hours—-
or not. He might die.
I told her I could not believe this was happening. Edgar and I have bonded in the short 10 weeks he has been here. Other than
his issue with cats, he is the perfect companion and has made such a difference in my days. Last night he was cheerfully learning
a new hand signal, full of fun and bright. The ramp to aid him in getting up on the couch arrived today. He cannot even try it out
as he staggers and falls just trying to get outside to pee.
Dr. Watkins said “We will just have to find you a healthy dog”. I searched so long and thru so many dogs to find Edgar. His sad
little face called to me from his shelter photo. Another dog?
Please send a message to St. Francis on Edgar’s behalf. He is a very good little dog. He deserves more time to enjoy being loved.”
So do you, Cynthia, I’ll call you this morning. I am here to help you in any way. I hope Edgar makes it, but if not, perhaps we can help you find another dog to love. One of the hard lessons of life is that bad things happen to good people. And good dogs who need a break.
Edgar was very lucky to have found you. No matter what happens he had time to be loved. You gave him some wonderful time for the first time in his life.
So did you have some time to be loved. It can happen again.
Sending good thoughts to Cynthia and Edgar!
Jon, Well Said, right from your enormous heart. Cynthia is fortunate to have you as a compassionate friend. Prayers for her and Edgar. Kimberly
Thank you for being there to love them! ???????
Heavenly Father, you created all things for your glory and made us stewards of this creature If it is your will, restore it to health and strength. Blessed are you, Lord God, and holy is your name for ever and ever. Amen
Hi Jon, I sent a message of prayers and encouragement to Cynthia. Hope she will know people are wanting Edgar to make it through this. Cynthia’s love will help him. Keep us posted,
Please ask Cynthia to mention vestibular syndrome to her vet—it’s often misdiagnosed as a stroke, and most dogs recover greatly in 48 hours, and almost completely in a week or two.