Day 215

12/16/22

Today was a busy day for Ranger! After the morning routine, it was time to head over to Oxbow to read with some incredible first graders. They are enamored with their reading buddy and often look to him for the reassurance that Ranger is entertained and attentive. He does not disappoint!

Today, we had a wide range of readers. No matter what level they are at, they love to share stories with us. After they read today, we chatted for a bit and I asked a couple of them what "kindness" means to them. The responses ran the gambit:

"I am not sure."
"I think it means being nice."
"It is empathy." (I think that little one will go far!)
"It's like when you have an ice cream cone and the top drops off. Your dad tells you that he doesn't have money to buy another cone. Then, your sister tells you she will share her cone with you. That is kindness." (This little one spoke from personal experience and the heart! What a gift to the world.)

I learn so much from my interactions with the young readers. They are charming, guileless and honest.

Arriving home, I checked my phone and found a request for a visit to Mercy Hospital. After a quick lunch, I grabbed Ranger again and we headed to our next visit. My partner in crime, Mac, was at the wheel and he stopped at the door so there would be no muddy puppy feet. While waiting for him to park the car, we were bombarded with staff in need of some Golden love!

Ranger was polite, but I could see his eyes were on the prize...the administration office. He led me, at a romp, to the door of the locked suite. One of the secretaries saw us and literally squealed with delight. Hurrying to the door, she let us in while others came out of their offices to see what was going on. Ranger entered with the intent of ferreting out treats! He was not disappointed! As we left, one of the top administrators came running out to tell us he had just bought a box of goodies for Ranger. Back we went for another session. These professionals are never afraid of a bit of doggy slobber or Golden fluff, and simply love Ranger! I always think about how fortunate the hospital is to have such caring, loving leaders at the helm.

Then, up to the room we went. There were NUMEROUS individuals who needed some Ranger time, so it did take awhile. Finally, we stood at the door, knocked and were asked to enter.

Our friend, known in our neighborhood as Uncle Dan, was so pleased to see someone from his past. We had not seen this man for years, but remembered why everyone likes him before we had been there for any length of time. It was an honor to be asked to stop by and a joy to lighten his burden.

Whether it is a planned visit or an unplanned excursion, we always come away richer than when we set out. There are times when I almost feel selfish experiencing the love, gratitude and sharing of life that happens during each visit. We are fortunate, indeed, to be able to share a little Golden Love when we go Therapy Dogging. For me, being at the other end of the leash is an honor and delight. Watching those pups at work humbles me and touches my heart deeply. I am so lucky to be a grateful observer as they make the world a better place.