Misty Blue and Bailey
In the Aug. 28, 2010 edition of The Almanac, an article featured the "shared custody" of a husky named Misty Blue. The owner of Misty Blue, June Bryant, was 93 years old and no longer able to take care of her frisky, loving dog; he required too much strength when she walked him — and too much energy and attention. She advertised for a new owner in the Almanac and Arlene and Ken Mirkin, who already had one husky named Bailey, jumped at the chance for a brother and playmate for their puppy. However, after he left her home, Bryant realized that she missed Misty Blue terribly — and thus, the Mirkins worked out joint custody of Misty Blue with her. Bryant, who was still driving at the time, would pick up Misty Blue on Monday at noon and return him on Wednesday — just enough time for her "Misty-fix." She hired a trainer to walk and exercise him, but the visitation arrangement gave her the opportunity to enjoy his friendship — and to receive his unconditional love.
This arrangement worked very well for some time — and her friendship with the Mirkins blossomed. However, she had to give up driving at age 97, so the Mirkins would take Misty to visit Bryant.
Because of her health, she moved to Brighton Gardens where caregivers took care of her. In the past few months, her health had declined; she became bed-ridden and stopped eating and drinking. Diane Palmer, one of her former bridge friends, called the Mirkins to tell them that Bryant (now 98 years old) would probably not live more than a few days. "I was told that she had not opened her eyes or responded to anyone in several weeks" said Arlene Mirkin.
Arlene and Ken Mirkin hurried to Brighton Gardens that evening, taking both Misty Blue and Bailey with them. They were permitted to take the dogs into Bryant's room. Arlene Mirkin explained what happened next: "Misty Blue became very excited and ran up to June's bed. He started sniffing her and then wanted to leap up on the bed. We couldn't let him do that, since he would crush June. He kept sniffing her and then started to lick her skin.
"Suddenly, June opened her eyes wide and smiled at Misty Blue. It was so touching to see her become alert and smile her warmest smile. Then I leaned over her, and she whispered ‘Thank you.’ She absolutely knew that Misty had come to comfort her. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would never believe it.
"Misty Blue parked himself right beside her bed and continued to lick her skin. He would have stayed next to her permanently if we had let him. It was obvious that he remembered her — and loved her very much. I also sense that he knew she was dying and wanted to make her passing as peaceful as he could."
The Mirkins visited two more times with Misty Blue and Bailey, but Bryant remained unresponsive during each visit. She died on Feb. 4, 2015.
"I attended the Memorial Services," said Arlene Mirkin. "I spoke about her love of animals, particularly dogs, shared the story of her responsiveness to Misty Blue, and the smile on her face when she knew it was him. Ken and I were touched by the shared love — and so happy that we had the good fortune to be a part of her life — and that Misty Blue is a part of ours.”