Faithful Friends Service Dog Foundation

Good girl Bailey!!! Always on duty watching her person! Thank you Twinpath Shepherds for gifting her to our program!

K9 Patrick, beloved service dog of disabled Veteran David Kist, passed away peacefully Friday surrounded by love.

Patrick had a GI mass tumor removed at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center of NY (S-AMC) who provided these extremely generous services under their 401 K9 program. Tails of Hope Foundation (TOHF) served as liaison for K9 Patrick’s care as we have for the last10 years, since Patrick was just 6 months old.

After the surgery there were a few tough recovery days, but then K9 Patrick’s condition improved. The veterinarians were pleased with Patrick’s progress and released him home. Patrick had a few wonderful hours snuggling with David. Then overnight, Patrick took a shockingly quick turn for the worst. Simultaneously Patrick’s biopsy results came back diagnosing him with cancer; together his family, with the veterinarians and TOHF, made the heartbreaking decision that it was time for Patrick to be eased into peace.

With less than 15 hours to make plans, from Thursday night into Friday morning, TOHF jumped into action. Continuing our leadership role and support, we coordinated Patrick’s “Final Goodbye” ceremony, along with S-AMC’s wonderful leadership, veterinarians, veterinary staff and social worker. Other key members of Patrick’s support team included Dr. Alice Quinn-K9 Patrick’s trainer, Father Ausa of Trinity Episcopalian Church in Allendale, NJ, NYPD K9 Transit Commander Lt. Pappas, 9/11 K9 Search and Rescue handler, EMT volunteer and member of Ramapo Rescue Dog Association-Nancy Brooks and Patrick’s loving family. TOHF secured an American flag donated by Tractor Supply of Litchfield, CT, prepared memorial framed photo tributes and a grief package to comfort Veteran David’s children. Everything was in place for Patrick’s good-bye. Father Ausa and TOHF’s President gathered at Patrick’s family home Friday morning in NJ and traveled together into New York City returning together at 4:30 pm.

Thank YOU beyond measure to TOHF’s volunteers, caring community partner organizations, our deeply appreciated supporters and Patrick’s donors. All of you have traveled this journey with us through Patrick’s life providing outstanding veterinary care, K9 supplies, support for Patrick’s family, his final ceremony, peaceful good-bye and now with TOHF and AMC’s grief support.

Plans are underway to celebrate Patrick’s life-details to follow.

David and Patrick’s unconditional love traveled to and from both ends of the leash. Patrick will always be in David, his family and TOHF’s heart.

Rest In Peace brave beautiful Patrick. You will always be remembered and forever loved.

This is one happy service dog!

K9 Johnstone makes sure to maintain contact with his person whenever possible.

Happy boy! K9 Johnstone