Oh brilliant. It was Mat's writing that introduced me to Sherry Turkle on this subject. Your excerpts have brought to mind how tightly knit dogs and death are in our lives. My father recently passed, and he did have mild dementia at the end. The very real, very opinionated dog in the house was a source of comfort to Dad, and also an engine of dignity; reprimanding that little guy for his hearing-aid splitting barks was one of the last means by which Dad asserted himself in his environment. Thank you for this - off to read the full article now.
Oh brilliant. It was Mat's writing that introduced me to Sherry Turkle on this subject. Your excerpts have brought to mind how tightly knit dogs and death are in our lives. My father recently passed, and he did have mild dementia at the end. The very real, very opinionated dog in the house was a source of comfort to Dad, and also an engine of dignity; reprimanding that little guy for his hearing-aid splitting barks was one of the last means by which Dad asserted himself in his environment. Thank you for this - off to read the full article now.
How beautiful, Sage. Thank you for sharing this.
P.S. Speedy recovery!