Day 269

2/9/23

This dog! Ranger simply charms everyone he encounters! Today, we had the absolute joy of reading with first graders at an elementary school. From the secretary who allows us to enter the building, to the students in the hall, to the educators walking by and finally the young readers...Ranger is quite the hit! He is a people magnet no matter what size that person is!

The students range from supreme confidence and comfort around dogs to unsure and slightly overwhelmed. My buddy is certainly "size extra-large," but his personality welcomes everyone. I have yet to meet a human who can resist that face!

Years ago, I had our first Therapy Dog, Arthur, up at Mercy Hospital. This beloved Golden weighed in well over 100 pounds and stood inches taller than even Ranger. His nickname, Moose, was very descriptive and fitting for our big red dog!

One day, we were down in the basement visiting staff. When we exited an office, there were two adults sitting in chairs waiting for an appointment. They happened to be from a country where dogs are seen as just a little bit scary, so they hurriedly stood up and walked around a corner. Apologizing, I assured the couple he was a gentle giant and we would head towards the elevator so they could relax in their chairs again.

To my surprise, the gentleman asked me to wait a moment. With his charming accent, he admitted that he had never touched a dog in his entire life. Would it be safe to touch my dog? Of course, I told him it would be just fine.

I had Arthur lie down on the floor and the man approached with great trepidation. Sidling up from behind, he reached his hand WAY out (there were several aborted attempts) and touched Moose on his broad back. Retreating quickly, he started to laugh and told his wife to start taking pictures. By the time he was done, his interactions had warmed to the point of lying down beside Arthur and holding one big paw! You would have thought it was a lion...but then, it probably was to him!

He was beyond excited with his photo shoot as he announced the pictures would go back to his home country where the people would not believe their eyes! His bravery would be legendary!

Looking at Arthur, who by this time had fallen asleep on the floor, I couldn't help but think he looked like a lion! We all parted friends and the couple thanked us over and over for the experience!

Living with these precious pups is always humbling. Whether it is their interactions during Therapy Dog visits or simply sitting next to us by the fire as we read a good book, they make life so much richer.

With four of these great lions, I must be the bravest, richest girl around!