Day 152

10/13/22

28.2 pounds of love and affection! Sam had an appointment with our favorite veterinarian today and he was a Therapy Dog without the bandana! At least five employees came out to sit with this boy and simply touch his golden head. Others pet parents stopped and showered our boy with compliments. He is so amazing!

Watching him at his appointment, I marveled at how he trusts me. When others would approach, he would glance my way and check in. When I let him know it was OK by my expression or a few words, he would simply approach the stranger, lean in, roll over or try to sit in their lap. He even went into the back for a quick nail trim and trotted right along with the technician. I was glad to see that he was ecstatic to see me upon his return.

Trust is such a nebulous feeling in the heart. In my life, I have been lucky enough to give my trust to many who have NEVER let me down. What a gift that is! In turn, I have always tried to be worthy of the trust people place in me.

As a parent and teacher, it was imperative to earn the trust of those who relied on me. I once had a student who had severe behavior issues. Building trust was an effort, but it paid off for this young man in the end. When he would get extremely agitated, he would find the nearest hard object and start to bang his head. Nothing seemed to work until, one fateful day, I placed my hand between his forehead and the table and calmly said, "Danny, you are hurting my hand. Please stop." Immediately, he ceased the head banging and looked into my eyes. I will never forget the trust shining through. I learned a life lesson that day.

"Earn their love and trust by always being true and you have earned their respect and devotion."

That lesson can certainly relate to every relationship in life...even my Goldens.