Day 1060

We had three opportunities today!!! Our second Therapy Dog experience was listed in the elevator at Walker! We were just a bit honored!

Walking into the room, we were met by a couple of seniors, but many more were to follow. Miss Lilly made her appearance and was a perfect pup. She seemed to enjoy the encounters as much as the people gathered around.

One younger man (by that I mean 50 or so) arrived in a wheelchair. It was obvious that he had a number of disabilities, but one of the employees pushed him right up to Lilly. He was unable to move his arms, so I gently took his hand and placed it on Lilly’s head. As I moved it in a stroking pattern, you could visibly see him relax. Lilly simply stood there and nudged even closer. It warmed my heart to watch the sweet interaction.

How do dogs know when someone needs a little extra love and patience? They seem to lead with their hearts. People have the ability to follow suit, but often miss the chance to connect. Perhaps they are too busy or they are unsure of what to do or say.

I always err on the side of kindness. If I see an opportunity to make someone’s world a better place, why not at least make the attempt? Perhaps we need to be a bit more “dog-like!” Throw aside your social inhibitions and jump in. You might feel uncomfortable , but the person you are showing kindness to is not judging.

I was able to watch a pro today. Lilly worked the crowd and leaned in whenever she was needed. She showed me how to trust your instincts and barge right in with your tail wagging!