In the bustling, often chaotic world of animal rescue, stories of survival frequently focus on the physical recovery of a neglected dog.
We celebrate the mended bones, the weight gain, and the regrowth of fur.
However, the emotional restoration of a traumatized animal is a much quieter, more delicate process that requires a special kind of magic.
For a rescue pit bull named Whimsy, that magic didn’t come in a bottle or a specialized diet; it came in the form of a four-legged “saint” named Simon.
Whimsy was found in truly horrific conditions, bearing the invisible scars of severe abuse and neglect that often leave a dog shell-shocked and wary of the world.
When she was brought into the care of famous NYC foster mom Isabel Klee, she was a bundle of nervous energy and a desperate need for connection.
What she found in Klee’s home was not just a safe harbor, but a mentor who understood the burden of health struggles and the healing power of a quiet presence.
Simon, Klee’s resident dog, is no stranger to his own set of challenges.
He suffers from epilepsy and has recently been navigating the stress of medication adjustments due to masses discovered on his liver.
One might expect an aging dog with chronic health issues to be grumpy or protective of his personal space, but Simon has proven to be the exact opposite.
In a viral video that has left the internet in tears, Simon sits stoically on a bed while Whimsy—a “velcro” dog in every sense of the word—unleashes a relentless wave of affection.
For two minutes straight, Whimsy nuzzles, licks, pawed, and even gently nipped at Simon, practically climbing over him in her quest to be as close as possible.
It is a display of “aggressive cuddling” born from a dog who has finally realized she is safe and doesn’t want to let that feeling go.
What makes the footage so captivating is Simon’s reaction, or rather, his lack of one.
He remains the picture of peaceful companionship, allowing Whimsy to be as chaotic and over-the-top as she needs to be.
He never snarls, never moves away, and never loses his “saint-like” patience. Instead, he serves as a steady anchor for his foster sister, offering her the stability she was denied for so much of her life.
Isabel Klee’s followers have been quick to point out that Simon seems to possess a divine level of empathy, accepting every new rescue brought into the home with a unique understanding of their specific needs.
To Whimsy, Simon isn’t just a housemate; he is a living security blanket who validates her existence with every patient sigh and gentle lean.
This bond serves as a powerful reminder of the sophisticated emotional lives that dogs lead.
Whimsy’s constant need to touch and groom Simon is her way of processing her past and anchoring herself in a loving present.
For Simon, his role as a “patron saint of patience” seems to give him a sense of purpose, even as he battles his own medical demons.
Watching the two of them—one recovering from a history of hate and the other navigating a future of health hurdles—cuddle under a blanket with only their noses sticking out is enough to melt the coldest of hearts.
It is a testament to the fact that healing doesn’t happen in isolation.
It happens when we allow ourselves to lean on those who are strong enough to carry us, even if they are fighting battles of their own.
Whimsy is flourishing not just because she has a roof over her head, but because she has Simon by her side, proving every day that love is the best medicine.
