Day 247
1/17/23
This boy touched so many lives today. When he returned home after a three hour visit to Mercy, he crawled up in a chair and fell fast asleep. Well deserved, dear boy.
Lilly started our day at Walker Senior Residence where she worked her magic. She never stopped wagging her tail during the entire visit! They love their job!
Home to switch pups and off to Mercy Hospital with Ranger. He headed for his favorite stop at the Administration Offices and was not disappointed. Not only did he get a treat from one of his friends up front at the desk, but he was also rewarded for a paw scratch/knock on the door of the Head Man! Even though there was a ZOOM meeting in progress, Ranger's new buddy stopped everything, grabbed some treats and ran out his door. Taking time for Ranger to perform "sit," "down" and "Give me five!," he gave him a few loves and headed back into the meeting.
Off we went to visit some of the floors where staff has become our biggest audience. On 4 Heart, we never even made it to a room. The staff was so excited to see Ranger that they kept coming up to the front desk for some Therapy Dogging. Ranger did not disappoint!
We were just heading out when I noticed a young man sitting with a staff member. At first glance, he looked like the type of person that found success in everything he encountered. About 30, well dressed, looking like a Hallmark actor, this young man hardly got a second glance from us. Then, I caught a glistening droplet fall to the floor as I realized he was silently crying.
There are times when I read the situation right and this was one of those times. Standing at a distance, I caught the eye of the doctor and she motioned us over. After asking him if a Therapy Dog might help, he answered, "That might be just what I need." We moved closer and, after a few moments, the doctor moved away.
I let him run his hands down Ranger's back over and over until he finally smiled and the tears stopped. My beloved red dog moved closer and put his big head right in the man's lap. With the tears still on his cheeks, he talked about his life, his family and his dog. The phone came out and pictures were shared. We even discussed the idea of adding a Golden to the family.
This man never shared what the tears were all about. He didn't need to. Our job is to comfort and simply be there when needed. Ranger did just that.
When we got home, I watched him sleeping in his chair by the window for a long time. What a gift he is to so many...and he doesn't even know it. I want to be my dog when I grow up.
