Day 101

8/23/22

Today, there were 10 tired feet! Only two of them were mine, but the goldens (owning the other eight feet) didn't even complain...they were doing what they love to do. They were sharing their love and compassion while getting a few treats and a lot of back scratching along the way!

We started our day with two walks along the river. Gus went first and then Lilly and Ranger had their chance. They simply seem to love the smells, squirrels, friendly dogs and people along the way. Walking with my goldens is one of the best parts of my day!

Next, Miss Lilly donned the red bandana and we headed over to Walker to visit for a bit. On Tuesdays, we head for our dear friend who has dialysis on our regular day. The time spent with this wonderful man is a gift, not to mention some of the people we meet on our way to and from that rendezvous.

We rushed home so that I could change into the Mercy Volunteer uniform for an appointment I had at 10:00. It was very strange to leave without one of the goldens, but I am training a new volunteer and her own golden retriever. The new team was amazing and we had a wonderful time together.

At noon, Mac met me near the elevators with Ranger. We headed up to 6th floor for the first of two classes we co-taught this afternoon. The first one was a wonderful group of people who are dealing with anxiety disorders. Ranger was a star! The second group was dealing with addiction issues. Once again, Ranger was a star. He greeted each person in both classes with his characteristic smile and wagging tail. One person even said, "I can't STAND how cute he is!" I couldn't agree more!

Finally home to fill out a questionnaire for our new pup, Sam. Our wonderful breeder has hired a professional to come and do aptitude/temperament tests on all 10 puppies. She sent out a serious, involved request for any information we could give her on our home, dogs, residents and characteristics we hope to find in our new little guy. She means business. Some of the dogs will do agility, hunting, therapy work and one will be a school comfort dog. They all have a purpose.

After that "paperwork" was done, I sat down in the sunroom with my Gus for a little one-on-one with our youngest. He snuggled in with his head on my lap and we both dozed off. There is hope for that boy!

After dinner, it was two more walks and now I get to write. Writing, dogs, family and volunteering are a few of the passions that fill my days with joy. I don't know where the time goes each day...some might even say it "goes to the dogs!"