Welcome to episode number 26 of the New England on a Pedestal podcast with me, Doug Farquharson. For this mini-sode we travel approximately twenty five minutes north from the Sergeant Stubby statue we talked about in episode 25 and visit the Hartford Hospital in, you guessed it, Hartford, Connecticut. This statue had been brought to my attention several years ago while listening to a favorite podcast of mine. Since we’ve been featuring several stories related to dogs lately, I thought this would be a great time to visit Rover, a very patient and loyal friend. There are actually two statues of Rover here at the Hartford Hospital. One is by the main entrance while the other is at the Education Resource Center. There is an inscription etched into a nearby window that in part reads: “The Story of Rover. Hartford Hospital’s more than 160 year history includes the story of Rover, a dog who was completely devoted to his master. The story goes that a patient who made frequent visits to the hospital for treatments would leave his dog outside to wait. No matter how long the patient was away, the dog would never budge from his post, despite encouraging words from staff members, who would attempt to pet and play with him. Rover loyally and patiently waited in front of the hospital for his master to emerge. Rover represents love, devotion, and commitment.” It goes on to say that the statues of Rover keep his spirit alive and represents their commitment to the same virtues displayed by this dog.
There are several different versions of the same basic story. In one, the owner came in suffering from chest pain and told Rover to stay outside and wait. And he did, patiently waiting for an owner who never walked back out because he eventually died in the hospital after a heart attack. In another much sadder version, Rover waited and waited, refusing staff members’ offers of food and shelter and eventually died while still waiting for his master to come back out. There’s another that suggests his owner made many visits to the hospital for treatments and each time Rover would patiently await his return and their walk back home. My favorite is the one where his owner is admitted and has a lengthy stay but recovers and has a joyful reunion with his loyal friend out in front of the hospital doors.
Whatever version is true, the story of Rover is one of love and loyalty from one being to another. And it goes both ways. The man clearly loved his dog. They went everywhere together. He was healthy, groomed, and well fed. He was cared for. And in return, Rover gave unconditional love to his human. I love this story. Personally, I’m a dog guy. Nothing against the cat lovers out there. I just like dogs better. I’ve been fortunate to have several really good dogs over the years. Each with a different personality, but each a wonderful companion and friend. Nothing beats the greeting you get coming home when they’re waiting at the door with a favorite toy in their mouth. Or when they get so freakin excited to see you that they get the zoomies. Our current dog is a large Shiloh Sheperd and she’s a sweetheart. If she senses that you’re sad or stressed, she immediately comes over and leans into you, giving you a loving dog hug. And I swear she enjoys traveling up north at least as much if not more than we do.
I hope you never need any of the services that Hartford Hospital provides, but if you do find yourself there, be sure to stop for a moment and visit Rover.
As always, thank you for tuning in. Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment or review for us wherever you listen to this podcast. Every little bit helps in spreading the word and expanding our audience. Feel free to share a favorite statue or sculpture with us. Find us on Instagram and Facebook. Email us at newenglandonapedestal@farqie.com. That’s New England on a Pedestal, all one word, at F A R Q I E dot com. Thanks to Sam and Jake for the theme music, Jason for the artwork, and Bekka for all her help.
Join us next episode when we venture to another New England town and dig into some local history there. Until next time, be safe, be well, be kind and keep discovering. Thanks for listening!
