Four-legged friends gave me strength as a caregiver

Despite being a lifelong animal lover, Susan Hartzler, 65, was shocked at the power of a dog's compassion and ability to help her navigate the emotional journey of caring for—and saying goodbye to—her beloved father. Years later, dogs are still filling her heart with joy and giving her strength as she once again steps in as a caretaker, this time for a dear friend. Here, Susan shares her story:

- —As told to Gina Roberts-Grey

Twenty years ago, I was heartbroken after losing my dear rescue dog Blondie, my steadfast companion with golden fur and a no-nonsense attitude who had stood by me during the rollercoaster years of dating and heartbreak. To ease my pain, my mother gifted me another rescue puppy I named Baldwin, knowing how much I was grieving and how deeply I connected with my dogs.

“Ironically, Baldwin was her final gift to me—a living testament of her love—as she died unexpectedly and peacefully in her sleep just six months later. Little did I know that this furry rescue Puli with a curly coat, soulful eyes and one-of-a-kind personality would turn out to be quite profound. Shortly after her passing, I left behind my high-profile PR career in the travel industry and returned home to take over my mother's role as primary caregiver for my father, who had been living with Parkinson's disease for several years.

“Determined to honor my mother's commitment that my father would remain in his home, Baldwin—who had been my emotional anchor through grief after the loss of Blondie and then my mom—became my caregiving partner. Managing Dad’s doctor appointments, medications, meals and daily routines like meal prep and grocery shopping, I was my father’s companion, advocate and unwavering voice who ensured he had a life filled with dignity, connection and fun.