A woman in Philadelphia experienced the power of social media when she went searching for the photo of her and her dog’s last-ever walk.
What would you do when you get the news that it’s time to say goodbye to your senior pup? One woman from Philadelphia wanted one thing: to get the photo that captured her final moments with the furry companion. The interesting part? It was taken by a stranger. Thankfully, an entire online community helped the woman find that one photo she could hold onto for happy memories.
It was September 12, 2024 when Kristina Cusenza and her dog Weston took advantage of the good weather in Fairmount and went out for a stroll. The pair stopped for a break and someone asked Cusenza if they could take photo of her. She said yes and a few hours later, she took her pup to the vet. Cusenza discussed her options for Weston as the 13-year-old dog was sick and it was obvious that he was struggling. The vet suggested that it was time to let him go and Cusenza said that she didn’t want him to suffer anymore.
After that difficult conversation, Cusenza realized that the man who approached her earlier was able to capture Weston’s last walk. She was eager to get the photo, knowing that it holds a special moment she could look back on.
How the Cherished Photo Was Found
To speed up the search process, Cusenza posted in a Facebook group that included residents of Fairmount neighborhood. She also got in touch with CBS News Philadelphia and spoke to them about the search. The story was aired, and it became instrumental in finding the special photo. In less than 24 hours after airing the story, the photographer reached out via Facebook group and shared the photo with Cusenza. It shows her leaning against a building with Weston by her side laying like a sphinx.
The photographer kept his name anonymous but he was happy to share the photo with Cusenza. Even though Cusenza hadn’t met most of her neighbors, she was grateful for their efforts in helping her preserve Weston’s final moments. To her, it felt like a magical internet moment with other residents.
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The Average Lifespan of Dogs
The lifespan of our canine friends usually depend on their breed and size. Small dogs are known to live up to 16 years, and these include Shih Tzus, Yorkies, and Chihuahuas. Bigger dogs like Golden Retrievers, can live around 10 to 12 years. However, factors like lifestyle and environment may also have a great influence on a pup’s longevity. This is what we observed from Bluey, the longest-living dog according to Guinness World Records.
Bluey was an Australian Cattle Dog born in 1910. She lived to be almost 30 years old and worked on a farm, helping with cattle and sheep for most of her life. It was believed that her active lifestyle and sense of purpose helped her lived longer. This is why experts also recommend for your pup to get daily exercise. Just like their owners, dogs can get a lot of benefits from regular exercise, such as mental stimulation, better cardiovascular health, and decreased stress.
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From The Club
The hardest part of having a pup is saying goodbye to them when the time comes. I understand why Kristina wanted to have that photo so bad. It holds a special place in her heart and is something that will remind her of the bond with Weston, even in his final moments. I love that the story also talks about using social media for good. It can be really powerful when you use it to connect with your community and get social support from them during tough times. Coping with the inevitability of our pets’ death is difficult but we can pay tribute to them by reflecting on the happy times.
