Day 260
1/31/23
This morning, Ranger did double duty because of the cold weather. Lilly and I typically walk down to the Walker Residence, but she has some difficulty jumping into the Subaru these days. We purchased a ramp for our sweet girl, but it has been too cold to train her in its use.
So, her brother started out at Walker and then hopped back into the car for a visit to Mercy Hospital. By the time we arrived home, that amazing Golden had been on his feet for more than three hours. On our final trip down the elevator, he looked at me as if to say, "Can we please go home now? I have a perfectly good couch waiting for me!"
There have been more than a few times when someone asks me why we do Therapy Dog visits. When this question presents itself, I believe they really want to know what I get out of this volunteering opportunity.
The answer is both easy and challenging in its complexity. The simple truth is that the dogs and I love people and thrive on making them happy. The more difficult response goes way deeper. Just today, there was an anonymous note handed to me when I signed in. The picture came from a patient we spent time with, but I have no idea who that individual was. What I do know is that I will cherish that picture forever and feel a deep sense of gratitude for the gift.
There are such deep roots to this type of volunteering and the interactions touch my heart in a visceral way. Along with the note, I met Kenny who needed a friend during his wife's surgery. He found us later and we had a second meaningful visit.
Ranger and I reconnected with an amazing young man who I predict will be a friend for the long haul. He and Ranger connected a few weeks ago and now he has decided to get his own Golden. In two weeks, this kind and fascinating gentleman will add to his family of four with a new puppy. As we sat together, I could sense that his healing was well underway and he was headed for a great future!
We visited Robbie who has been in the hospital for weeks! He is just out of college and seems to be fighting a real battle for his health. He was understandably depressed, but Ranger and I got a smile...a rare offering for this young guy lately. I said, "I bet this all makes you so angry!" He responded with a surprised affirmative and we were able to follow that road for a meaningful discussion.
There were many more connections, but I realized the deeper drive to the "Why" of Therapy Dogging comes in the honest connection to people. Just today, I was able to sit with Kenny and share his faith, visit with a young man who is going to turn his life into joy and success and help a young man deal with the truth of his own anger.
Who wouldn't want to be walking with my Golden? The rich experiences touch my heart in so many ways and I am grateful that, with each one, I become a more empathetic, understanding and accepting person. That is a gift in itself.
Now, as for Ranger, after the treats, pets and scratches, his reward is his couch in front of Dog TV. Well done, Ranger! You are a star!
