Day 115

9/6/22

Today was a hospital day! To be fair, Miss Lilly went over to Walker Plaza for a visit after the walks this morning. Upon her return, she was happy to let Ranger take over the leash!

At Mercy Hospital, the "dog love" from the staff never ceases to amaze me! As we entered to sign in, there were at least five volunteers who vied for Ranger's attention...he didn't disappoint! As long as someone is scratching him (anywhere) he is one happy boy!

Next, we went down to greet Mac at the East Desk. When Ranger realized he was there, wild horses couldn't have kept him from that reunion. It was short-lived because he seemed to suddenly remember there were treats in the administration area! We were off!

Ranger walked right to the locked door and I knocked softly to catch the attention of one of the secretaries. She looked up with a concerned look that swiftly changed to joy! Hurrying to let us in, she grabbed a box of treats on the way and Ranger's drooling began!

It wasn't long before other administrators joined us with Ranger as the center of attention. Suddenly, Ranger seemed to remember another door that might just have a treasure trove of treats. My pup's favorite person had moved to a higher position, but that didn't stop Ranger from heading to his old door to sit in stubborn hopefulness. Friend Ryan ALWAYS had the best treats! On one of the last visits before he moved on, he had forgotten to have treats at the ready. Ranger looked so crestfallen that this amazing, very tall doctor said, "Just a minute! Stay right where you are!" He proceeded to jump up, RUN through the office to the coffee shop and return with a bagel! Ranger was in ecstasy! The administrative staff was still talking about that event today!

As Ranger sat sadly by the door of his friend, a new doctor emerged...three-piece dark suit...and asked for introductions. There must have been seven or eight people who were watching this interaction and I believe "the new guy" realized he was on trial. Bending over, he shook Ranger's paw and said that he LOVED dogs! His little girls would be so jealous when they heard who he had met on his first day. We gave him a couple of Ranger's trading cards and welcomed him to Mercy. As we left, leaving more that a little golden fluff on that suit, our new friend called out that he would be shopping for dog treats tonight! We like Jay!

We made the usual rounds and Ranger calmed many a soul. As we were about to make our way out to the car, a young security man ran up and stopped us. He told us he had been watching us on the monitors and we needed to come back to visit in his area. Of course, we complied!

We were led back to a room that was COVERED with monitors! Computers were EVERYWHERE! Our new security friend had been watching our interactions and waited until we were close enough to grab us for the visit! Remind me to never do anything wrong or disrespectful in that hospital! They are watching to keep all of us safe, and they miss NOTHING!

Home to Lilly, Gus, Dog TV and some writing. Life is good! If you don't believe me, just check with security at Mercy!