WEST HARTFORD — Urrick, a German Shepherd and Fidelco Guide Dog, was diagnosed with prostate cancer last December. His partner, Todd Higgins, felt that Urrick should spend his remaining time in, simply, “a dog’s life.”

Urrick wouldn’t have it.

“When we retired Urrick the morning he was diagnosed, we felt we were doing what was in his best interest,” says Maureen Higgins, a Connecticut Real Estate Agent. “After only a couple of days or retirement, we became concerned because Urrick appeared to be restless.”

The Higgins’ sought the advice of Dr Deidre Galbo, from MSPCA Rowley Memorial Animal Hospital in Springfield, Mass., where Urrick had originally been diagnosed. Dr Galbo – a former Newtown resident and graduate of Immaculate High School – suggested the Higgins let Urrick determine if he was ready to retire. The following morning, Todd held out the Guide Dog harness and Urrick jumped into the harness and back to work. Urrick enjoyed an additional four months accompanying Todd to his office in Hartford.

Urrick’s visits to the MSPCA Rowley Memorial Animal Hospital were frequent, but always enjoyable. His ritual was to greet Dr Galbo, who closely monitored his condition to ensure that his quality of life was not being compromised by his illness. Urrick’s favorite part of his visits was sniffing out treats in the pocket of technician, Denise Williams. He loved treat time so much that they gave him a bag to take home. Urrick’s bond with both Dr Galbo and Williams was very special.

On March 27, Urrick’s cancer caused an emergency visit to Rowley Memorial Animal Hospital. The Higgins’ had to seriously consider whether a surgery to briefly prolong Urrick’s life would be the right choice for Urrick. After making a heartbreaking decision, Todd and Maureen prepared to spend one last weekend with Urrick and their 160-pound Newfoundland, Charlie.

One thing stood in their way. A real estate closing that could not be postponed in Danbury. Rather than split up the family, the Higgins and the two dogs hopped in the car for what they thought would be a quick adventure for the dogs. Both of them loved to go for rides and the Higgins expected to be back in three hours.

Parked in a lot next to the historic Crosby Street building, Maureen was making a phone call when several fire trucks suddenly surrounded them. A fire had broken out at the top level of the building. Within minutes, thick heavy smoke surrounded the Higgins’ car.

“We had just been told by the police that we might have to abandon our car when the roof burst into flames and the tar smoke made visibility and breathing difficult,” recalls Maureen. “As we attempted to get out of the area, both a police officer and myself attempted to assist Todd through the smoke – though neither of us was doing a very good job of it at this point.”

Urrick, in harness, was the only one to remain calm. He immediately began guiding Todd through the thick smoke. Slowing to allow Todd to safely maneuver the intertwined fire hoses covering a ramp, they were trying to get across the street to safety.

Within three hours, as they watched the building continue to burn, they were adopted by the town of Danbury. So many Danbury residents came to the Higgins’ aid that night. First the Danbury Police connected the Higgins with Paul Estefan, coordinator of Emergency Services, who immediately arranged for them to be taken to the local Elks Club to wait in safety. The Elks Club members insisted on feeding them and making them comfortable.

As the evening wore on, it became apparent that they would not make it home that night, and Urrick needed medical attention. The moment it was mentioned they needed a 24-hour veterinarian, several people began making calls. As a result, a club member provided transportation to the animal hospital where a veterinarian waited for Urrick’s arrival, and a room for the night at the Holiday Inn was provided, with dogs welcome.

Saturday morning, the building still continued to burn. But Paul Estefan had managed to get the Higgins’ car away from the building in the early morning hours. After working throughout the night, these people were still there to assist. The Higgins made their way home to West Hartford to sadly make Urrick’s final arrangements.

On Sunday morning, April 1, Simsbury veterinarian, Dr Dorothy Arnold, was brought to the Higgins’ home to peacefully end Urrick’s life. Urrick greeted Dr Arnold at the door with his usual smile and a wagging tail. But for the last twelve hours before her arrival, he ate only the treats provided by Dr Galbo and Denise Williams.

Urrick had decided it was his time. Three treats remained from the bag provided by the Rowley Memorial Animal Hospital veterinarians. The Higgins tied them to Urrick’s paw as a final token of appreciation.

“Since losing my sight sixteen years ago, that morning was the first time that I had actually felt blind,” said Todd Higgins, an employee with the Department of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities.

The Higgins are forever grateful to Dr Galbo and Denise Williams for the care that they gave Urrick. Because of their monitoring of his condition and adjusting his medications and diet constantly, they were able to enjoy an additional four months with Urrick.

Although there will never be another Urrick, the Higgins were so pleased with the quality of training provided by Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc., that Todd has recently started a new partnership with another guide dog named “Gustav.”