Dog Walker: When Alison, a 10-year-old pit bull, first arrived at the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, D.C., her past was written in scars. She had been surrendered by her family after years of hardship, marked by trauma, including a gunshot wound to her shoulder. Terrified of other dogs and the world around her, Alison’s future was uncertain.
But hope was on the horizon. Around the same time, Cole Reifsnider was considering adopting a dog. Initially, she thought she’d take in a puppy, but her sister had other plans.
“My sister sent me every adoptable dog she could find,” Reifsnider said. “When she sent me Alison, I joked, ‘Should I adopt a senior dog? Lol.’ A moment later, I messaged back, ‘Wait no—seriously, I think I love her.’”
That moment of hesitation turned into destiny. Cole adopted Alison on her eleventh birthday, unknowingly beginning a life-changing journey.
Love That Changed Lives
From the very start, Alison was unlike any dog Cole had ever met. Despite her traumatic past, Alison radiated joy.
“She had every reason to be miserable,” Reifsnider said. “Instead, she chose to love and be happy. I had no idea I could love something so completely until I met her.”
Alison’s golden years were filled with happiness, love, and comfort. While her body showed signs of aging, she still adored her short walks. Cole wanted Alison to enjoy every moment, even when she couldn’t be there, so she turned to the dog-walking app Rover—and that’s where Seth entered the story.
A Bond Beyond Words
Seth, a local dog walker, was hired to take Alison out for quick strolls, but it didn’t take long for him to fall in love with her, too.
“Seth would spend hours with Alison,” Reifsnider said. “He didn’t just walk her; he’d take her to the rooftop to sunbathe, lay on the floor to pet her, and even share his lunch with her. It wasn’t just a job for him—it became something special.”
Alison brought light into Seth’s life, just as she had done for Cole. She wagged her tail every time Seth opened the door, as if she’d been waiting for him all day.
“She had an infectious personality,” Seth later wrote. “Her calming presence felt therapeutic, even during the most stressful times. She was truly a once-in-a-lifetime dog.”
Saying Goodbye To A Best Friend
As Alison grew older, her health began to decline. Cole sensed their time together was nearing its end. When Alison began to struggle, Cole reached out to Seth immediately, knowing how much he loved her.
“Seth’s last official walk with Alison was on Thursday,” Reifsnider said. “But on Friday, when I told him we were saying goodbye, he didn’t hesitate. He had an exam at 2 p.m., but he finished it and rushed to meet us outside the vet to say his final goodbye.”
At 4:30 p.m., Alison peacefully passed away, surrounded by the people who adored her most.
Afterward, overwhelmed with grief and gratitude, Seth wrote Alison’s final review on Rover—a touching tribute to the dog who had become his friend.
The Heartfelt Final Note
“It is with a heavy heart, but great honor, that I get to write the last review for Alison,” Seth wrote. “To know Al was a privilege. The happiest old lady who had every reason to be miserable.
“When I took the job walking Alison, I intended for it to just be a job. That didn’t last long. Her infectious personality quickly melted my heart. We formed a bond I will forever be grateful for.
“She was there with me during some of the most stressful times, using her calming personality to be therapeutic. A truly once-in-a-lifetime dog, she will be missed in the hearts of everyone who knew her. I loved Al and every second I got to spend with her.”
Seth’s heartfelt words perfectly captured the essence of Alison—the dog who loved fiercely, lived joyfully, and left an indelible mark on everyone she met.
A Legacy Of Love
When Reifsnider read Seth’s note, she was overcome with emotion. Alison was gone, but her spirit and legacy of unconditional love would live on forever.
“Seth captured her so perfectly in just a few paragraphs,” she said. “My relationship with Alison was once in a lifetime, but so was his with her.”
Alison’s story is a reminder of the incredible bonds we share with animals, especially those who have been through so much. Her ability to trust and love after everything she endured was her superpower.
Honoring Alison’s Memory
Alison’s life—filled with hardship, love, and peace in her final years—shows the importance of giving senior dogs a chance. They may have fewer years left, but the love they give is immeasurable.
If Alison’s story inspires you, consider adopting or fostering senior dogs in need, or supporting rescues like the Humane Rescue Alliance. You may just find your own “once-in-a-lifetime” bond.
Because, as Alison taught us, love can heal even the deepest wounds.
Related: Woman Builds a ‘Dog Train’ to Take Disabled Rescue Pups on Joyful Adventures
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