Hospital Patient’s Spirits Soar After Reuniting With Beloved Dog

James Wathen and his loyal dog, Bubba, shared an incredible bond.

Bubba, an eight-year-old, one-eyed Chihuahua, became James’s companion after the loss of his beloved Pomeranian. Their friendship was deep, and they were inseparable until death separated them.

Here’s James and Bubba’s story.

James And Bubba Share A Unique Bond

Dennis Elswick, who was raised by James, knew how much James needed a furry friend. So, he gave James his wife’s dog, Bubba.

Bubba’s presence brought joy back into James’s life. When Dennis’s other dog, Ozzy, missed Bubba, James happily welcomed Ozzy into his home, creating a loving family of three.

But 2014 was a tough year for James and Bubba.

Source: Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter

In March, they lost Ozzy, which brought James and Bubba even closer.

By mid-September, James was diagnosed with a terminal illness and admitted to Baptist Health Corbin in Kentucky. Being separated from Bubba during this time was heartbreaking for him.

Looking For Bubba

In the hospital, James often thought about Bubba and missed him dearly.

The hospital staff, seeing how much James missed his dog, set out to find Bubba.

Source: Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter

They discovered that Bubba was at the Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter and in foster care. The shelter contacted Bubba’s foster family, who immediately agreed to let Bubba visit James.

An Emotional Reunion

The day of the reunion was filled with emotion.

Source: Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter

Bubba, wrapped in a baby blanket and shivering, was brought to the hospital. As they approached James’s room, Bubba’s demeanor changed. His head lifted, his eyes brightened, and he became a different dog.

“When Bubba was brought to James, he began to weep, and then Bubba began to snuggle James, and it makes you realize that animals are not just pets, but loved ones,” shared Deanna Myers, Director of the Knox Whitley Animal Shelter.

The reunion brought life back to both James and Bubba. James began to eat and talk again, and Bubba’s visits continued, lifting James’s spirits until his passing in November 2014.

After James’s passing, Dennis Elswick and his family took Bubba to Florida. Bubba, who had brought so much joy to James, now had a new life with a loving family.