All her life Hendrika had been surrounded by people. First her mother, father, brothers and sisters, then husband and five sons.  Her children grew up (as children do) and left home. Three to Australia and two to Auckland so she didn’t see them as often as she would like.  This also happened with her grandchildren.

Her husband, of 60 years passed away, so now she was on her own completely for the first time in her 85 years.  She suffered three heart attacks and was in hospital for a time.

Hendrika was very lonely and felt that it wasn’t worth getting out of bed to go for a walk which her cardiologist had recommended she do for her health.  Her only visitors were meals on wheels and the home help staff once a week. 

Age Concern Hamilton arranged for her to have a visitor for an hour each week and she looked forward to that.  One day she was taken to a hospital appointment by an Age Concern

Hamilton visitor who had her dogs in the car.  Among them was a ten week old puppy named Merlon.  Hendrika held onto the puppy and fell in love with it.

Joan, the volunteer co-ordinator, was a bit dubious about Hendrika having such a young puppy to look after and told Hendrika that if her family agreed then she could have the puppy.  The family were in full agreement and Hendrika got a new best friend.

Now Hendrika gets out of bed as she has something to get up for. She and the puppy walk around the garden and the community where people stop to talk to her and ask about her new best friend.  There is now a live in friend to talk to and Hendrika’s health has improved as she now has a spring in her step and looks more relaxed and happier.

The puppy has been renamed Murphy and he answered to it from the moment he moved in with Hendrika.  He sleeps by her feet during the day and by her bed at night

It was the right decision for them both but perhaps not for everyone.  Although Joan was dubious about Hendrika having the young puppy it has turned out to be the best for Hendrika.  She had a dog nearly all her life and wasn’t a stranger to them even though this was the first small dog she has had.

Murphy is a Shih Tzu / Maltese who doesn’t shed hair or smell.  He also lets her know when there is someone at the door.