Day 13

5/24/22

Today was a busy day for my two Golden Oldies! Even Gus connected with a few people on our early morning walk!

First, Ranger and I sauntered over to our senior residential complex to visit a dear friend. We go on Tuesday morning for a special time with one of my teachers from OH SO LONG AGO! He has appointments each Wednesday, so we head over the day before to spend some amazing quality time with him and anyone who walks by the game room where we meet. There are always treats involved, so both Lilly and Ranger love these visits!

Walked home at a fast pace so I could do a quick change (my outfit and also a new dog). Lilly was waiting with her nose at the door while the other end wagged in a blur! After I donned my uniform, I took the collar, bandana and leash from Ranger and placed it on his sister.

It was a bit challenging to hoist sweet Lilly into the back of the Subaru. We have a ramp, but I thought I could lift her...enter my amazing son-in-law! We are beyond blessed to have my daughter's family living next door and, before I could try again, her husband ran out and lifted her in with ease. He did comment on her weight and rubbed his back for a moment!

Off to the local hospital with our badges displayed and one mask in place. We were greeted at the main entrance by a host of volunteers who practically fell over one another to greet Lilly. It has been a two year hiatus, so the return of the Therapy Dogs is a sign of normalcy. They also love interacting with the dogs! Even Daddy was there, since he volunteers at the front desk, and that sent Lilly into circles of wags and love!

After checking in, we headed down the hall and ran into one of our favorite people! The head of the hospital rounded the corner and actually yelled, "Lilly! You're back!" I actually had to let go of the leash for the last few feet as she greeted him with a wiggling body full of love! He said he would go to the store for treats since the last box had gone stale. He is such a wonderful man and we are lucky to call him Friend!

Next, we went to a request up on one of the floors. I asked the charge nurse at the desk if I needed to know anything before heading to the room. She had a strange expression and indicated, in the most professional way possible, that this patient might not be overly welcoming. Oh well, we knew we had a job to do and I also believed in Lilly's charming nature. Knocking on the door, we heard a gruff voice ask who was knocking. I responded by telling her I was here with a Therapy Dog. She told us to come in and the visit ensued. Now, I have been to countless hospital visits and I was a bit overwhelmed by this one. I will leave it at that. However, Lilly went right to work and had the lady practically singing songs to her by the time we left. We promised to return soon and she thanked us from the bottom of her heart. When I walked past the desk, the same nurse asked how it had gone. I said that Lilly never met a stranger and we enjoyed the visit. The nurse shook her head in disbelief!

Our next part of the journey took us down to the Heart Center. Over the years, we have gotten invitations to come back to see the surgeons and their staff in the back office. Today, I was THRILLED to see the doctor who had done my husband's open heart surgery! He got down on the floor with Lilly and visited for a bit. Now, he is beyond gifted, funny and abrupt. His secretary reminded him that he had done Mac's surgery. Here is how the conversation went:

Me: You are and will always be my hero!
Doc: When did I do that surgery?
Me: Over 4 years ago.
Doc: And he's still alive?

What a character! I saw him up on the heart floor later and he grabbed my arm and said it was good to see us. If you knew this man, you would understand how unexpected and amazing that moment was for me.

Finally, Lilly looked at me as if to say, "I'm tired, thirsty and I want to go home!" We said our goodbyes to a labyrinth of staff, patients and visitors before we could escape to the car. Mac and I lifted her in and she took her spot...nose pressed to glass. Backing up, I caught her reflection in the rear view mirror as she stuck her head out the now open window. She was literally smiling from ear to ear. I was too. It was a good day!

We saw so many people who needed the warmth and comfort of a big old golden retriever. It is a humbling opportunity to be at the end of the leash when a Therapy Dog works their magic. I am so lucky!