Medina
her master has passed away
From the perspective of an Aiderbichler
(written by Gisela Pschenitschnig)
Medina is an eight-year-old shepherd mix and lived with an animal-loving man who unfortunately suffered a heart attack. At first it looked as if Medina would be able to return to her owner when his health improved, but unfortunately this hope was not to be realised.
Medina’s owner had taken out a provision for pets in case something happened to him. So the dog came to Gut Aiderbichl Iffeldorf and was taken in by our dogs.
How long can animals remember their owners?
Can Medina remember her owner? Is she sad? We know that dogs are happy when they go out into nature, when they get a treat or when you play together. So you would think that they are perfectly capable of grieving.
Human and animal grief may differ in that the dog lives in the present. They are not capable of analysing the past. Nevertheless, they remember and long for their humans – it just has a different character.
Dogs get used to their living situation. Medina certainly knew the daily routine with her owner. The new thingis nowthat this daily routine has been disruptedby the death of her owner. The living situation for Medina has become a new one that she will slowly get used to.
Anyhow, dogs love their owners – I’m just thinking of the story of Hachiko, who remembered his owner for 10 years. Our animals do not forget us.
Medina's master acted responsibly
A provision for pets is an extremely responsible step with a view to the future of your pet. Life situations can change quickly due to illness or an accident – what happens to the animals then? There are animal shelters where they are taken by the police, and sometimes family members take over the dogs or cats left behind by a deceased relative.
“… if I take an animal, I am responsible for it as long as it lives…” – This is how I try to explain the responsibility and respect that we should have for our animals to people on the tours. This responsibility should also include looking for a new home for your dog, cat, rabbit or hamster etc. in good time. Nobody knows what tomorrow will bring. Tomorrow and its surprises – there is no age limit for incidents in life.
Medina lives in the now and looks to the future
Medina has been living in Iffeldorf for around a month now. At the moment, she prefers to be alone in her single room and is looking forward to going for walks with the other dogs at Gut Aiderbichl Iffeldorf more and more every day.
She certainly doesn’t forget her owner. When she’s lying in her basket with her head resting on her paws and gazing dreamily, she may well be thinking about him.
All the best, dear Medina. Sincerely, your Gisela
