Paternal Instinct
Particular situations can threaten our lives or those of others. In such instances, our actions can be the difference between life or death. Thankfully, many of us are fortunate enough we rarely, if ever, confront such circumstances.
However, in a decisive moment for Pablo Fustec, he risks his life to save his dog.
Pablo’s sister, Sophie Fustec, describes the moment as a supreme act of devotion. Pablo’s dog, Sasha, falls into a hot spring while on a hike through Mexico. Pablo jumps in after him to save him.
Image (Associated Press/Sophie Fustec)
Unfailing Love
Pablo finds the Great Dane wandering the streets of Mexico City after an earthquake in 2017. He adopts Sasha, and he joins Pablo and his family of two other dogs.
According to Pablo’s sister, the dogs were like kin to him. His choice of action would be no different had it been a human who fell.
On a fateful day in June 2020, things take a dreadful turn. Pablo and his partner, Jonathan Ramos, along with their three dogs, hike through Zinapécuaro outside Mexico City. Sasha falls and dies instantly in the boiling waters.
In a desperate effort, Pablo leaps in after Sasha. Pablo is aware of the acute injury to his body as he emerges from the water. Ramos hoists the scalding Pablo over his back to carry him in search of help.
After a long trek back towards the city, they call an ambulance. Next, Pablo arrives at a Mexico City hospital, with 70 percent of his body burned and in septic shock. His family launches an extensive blood drive campaign. His mother vows to do everything in her power to help him.
Ramos visits Pablo in the hospital for support. As a result of the novel coronavirus, he cannot visit the room. The hospital instead allows Ramos to view from outside the room where the two can see each other.
Pablo is heartbroken at Sasha’s death, yet he displays resiliency in his optimism, as his sister recounts. Sadly, Pablo passes the day after his surgery.
Faithfulness
Ramos retains Pablo’s ashes in remembrance. The untimely loss of the 32-year-old has everyone heartbroken.
Pablo and Ramos share ten years in Mexico City before his tragic death. Pablo aspired to create a program that focuses on the rehabilitation of former criminals.
A touching online acknowledgment of Pablo’s life and incredible courage references the ancient Indian epic poem, entitled Mahabharata.
In the story, the character Yudhishthira meets Indra, the King of Gods, on a mountaintop. Indra says to Yudhishthira that he may enter heaven on the condition he leaves his dog behind. Yudhisthira refuses, stating that the dog must come with him.
After Yudhishthira objects, the dog transforms into his father, who reveals Indra’s intent is to test Yudhisthira’s heart.
Pablo’s extraordinary action demonstrates his loyalty to Sasha. Imagine the love Sasha has for Pablo after he adopts him from the streets. Their story is deeply saddening, but we can hope for solace for this family. May they both rest in peace.
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