The Life of Riley

In honor of the many servicemen who gave their lives for our country, I thought it would be fitting to share the story of Bill Mertens, a resident of the NH Veterans Home in Tilton, NH, who had a very special friendship with a 14 year old female black lab named Riley who visited Bill faithfully until she passed away on January 27, 2010.  

Riley's relationship with the Veterans Home began when she was just a puppy. Bill Mertens, a resident of the Home, used to walk by Riley's house on his way to downtown Tilton. Bill would stop and play with Riley on the way down the hill and would give her a treat. He'd do the same on the way back up to the Home. It didn't take long for Riley to figure out that if she stuck with Bill, she'd always end up with treats.

Bill Mertens passed away in 2007, but before he died, the Veterans Home staff brought Riley into his room, so she could say goodbye. Afterwards, Riley continued to come up to the Home for three weeks looking for Bill. Not easily discouraged, Riley figured out how to open the Home's automatic doors and began visiting nearly every day until for 11 years until the time of her death in January.

I was struck by Riley's story because she made such an impact on Bill's life and as well as on the lives of the veterans who gave our country so much.   It also reminded me about the healing power of animals and it is amazing how well they understand the needs of humans and all they want from us in return is food, shelter, a few walks, and lots of love.