28/10/2026
A dog walker hired to spend just 30 minutes with an elderly pit bull ended up forming a friendship that lasted until her final day. When the senior dog passed away, he left one last review on the pet care app where their relationship began, and his heartfelt words brought her owner to tears.
Alison had entered the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, D.C., after her previous family surrendered her at around 10 years old. She had survived a gunshot wound to her shoulder and was frightened of other dogs. Her rescuers hoped someone would give her a peaceful home for her remaining years. That person turned out to be Cole Reifsnider, who had originally considered adopting a puppy. After seeing Alison's adoption profile, Cole changed her mind and welcomed the senior pittie home on her 11th birthday.
Alison quickly became a cherished member of the family. Although she was older, she still enjoyed short walks and spending time outdoors. When Cole needed help with those outings, she hired a dog walker named Seth through Rover. His assignment was straightforward: take Alison outside and keep her company for about half an hour. But Seth grew so attached to her that he sometimes stayed for two to five hours, taking her to enjoy the sunshine, sitting beside her, and occasionally sharing his lunch.
After approximately two years in her new home, Alison's health began to decline. Seth had taken her for their usual walk on Thursday, but by the following day, Cole was at the veterinary hospital making the difficult decision to say goodbye. Seth had an exam scheduled for 2 p.m., while Alison's final appointment was set for 4:30 p.m. As soon as his exam ended, he hurried to the hospital to see her one last time.
After Alison died, Seth opened Rover and wrote his final review. Instead of describing a routine walk, he remembered the joyful tail wags that greeted him at the door, the comfort she brought him during stressful times, and the friendship he never expected to find through a part-time job. Cole was overwhelmed when she read his tribute. Alison had spent her final two years surrounded by people who loved her, including someone who had originally entered her life simply to take her for a walk.
