Anyone fortunate enough to have met Alison could instantly recognize the special essence of this wonderful dog. She was cherished by many, but two people held the most significant places in her life.
The first, undoubtedly, was her adoptive mother, Cole Reifsnider. Cole adopted Alison when she was eleven, providing her with the dream life she deserved.
Equally significant was Seth, Alison’s walker and best friend. The bond Alison and Seth shared was profound, the kind that few are lucky enough to experience.
When the difficult time came to bid farewell to Alison, both Cole and Seth were by her side, showering her with love and affirmations of their appreciation.
Seth’s homage to Alison was incredibly touching, warming the hearts of not only Cole but also countless others around the globe.
Source: Cole Reifsnider
The Story of Alison
Before we delve into Seth’s heartfelt tribute, it’s essential to know more about Alison and the journey she traversed. Despite her endearing demeanor, Alison’s early life was fraught with challenges.
She found herself at the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, D.C., after her previous family, who had been with her for ten years, decided to surrender her. The shelter received scant details about her past, but it was clear she had endured considerable hardships, including being shot in the shoulder amidst other chaos.
The shelter’s goal was to find a loving home where Alison could spend her remaining years in happiness. Luckily, they found the perfect match in Cole Reifsnider, a New York resident who had been looking to adopt a dog. Upon seeing a photograph of Alison sent by her sister, Cole was immediately smitten.
She visited the shelter to meet Alison and, as they say, it was love at first sight. Cole adopted Alison on her 11th birthday, and despite her age and past tribulations, Alison became the happiest little dog, spreading joy wherever she went.
A Beautiful Friendship Blossoms
Source: Cole Reifsnider
Alison’s favorite activity was going for walks, which is how she met Seth. Cole had employed Seth, a local dog walker from the Rover app, to take Alison out for short strolls when she was unable to do so herself.
Seth, like everyone else who met Alison, quickly fell in love with her endearing personality. What were meant to be brief, 30-minute walks evolved into hours of shared affection and companionship.
“Seth would spend anywhere from two to five hours with Alison. He didn’t just walk her; he made sure she soaked up some sun on the roof, lay on the floor to pet her, and even shared his lunches with her. These moments brightened both their days,” Cole recounted to The Dodo.
Source: Cole Reifsnider
Seth’s Touching Tribute
On a sorrowful day in March 2024, after what turned out to be their final walk, Alison fell ill. Cole rushed her to the vet, but sadly, nothing more could be done to help her.
“When I informed Seth that we would be putting Alison down at 4:30 p.m., he had an exam at 2 p.m., but promised to be there—and he was,” Cole shared. After his exam, Seth hurried to the vet to bid his final goodbye to Alison.
In his last review on Rover, Seth wrote a moving tribute:
“It is with a heavy heart, but great honor, that I write this final review for Alison. To know Alison was a privilege. She was the happiest old lady, with every reason not to be. My initial intention was merely to walk her, but that soon changed. Her infectious personality quickly melted my heart, as it did for anyone who met her. Our bond is something I will always be grateful for. Every day, her tail wags the moment she saw me were a highlight. She was a therapeutic presence in my most stressful times. Alison was a once-in-a-lifetime dog, and she will be missed by everyone who knew her. I loved every second I spent with her.”
One Last Goodbye
As Seth penned his final words for his best friend, those around him could feel the depth of their connection. Alison passed away on March 8th, surrounded by those who loved her most and had given her the best last two years of her life.
“My relationship with Alison was once in a lifetime, but so was his with her,” Cole reflected.
Rest easy, little girl—you have been an amazing dog, friend, and companion, and your spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew you.
