Day 288
2/28/23
Today was a very long and busy day of "Therapy Dogging." On Tuesdays, we visit two venues (about five hours altogether) so it makes for some tired pups.
We are confronted with joy, sadness, fear and any other possible emotion during our visits. People will sometimes ask me if it's hard to be confronted with all of the needs we encounter. That answer is complex and has many tendrils of emotions.
I am an empath...just ask my amazing husband. During our Therapy Dog visits, I tend to put myself right into the "feelings" of those individuals petting my dogs. I feel their joy and sadness, fear and loneliness which is simply part of who I am. That does not make it easy, but it makes the connection to each person richer. Today, I laughed with so many, hugged a few and shed some tears with those we encountered. Always, my Goldens make things better.
There are times when it would be so much easier to guard my feelings and simply go through the motions. That is not why I do this work. My philosophy is to live life to its fullest...even if that means holding someone's hand during their most challenging times. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Today, Ranger and I met a man who was sad and troubled. Our first encounter was in the lobby of the hospital where we saw him sitting with his head in his hands. The easy choice would have been to give him his privacy, but the empath in me drew us right to his bench. Leaning close, I asked him if he was doing OK and did he need some love from a Therapy Dog. Our interaction was brief, but meaningful. Later, we encountered him again during a class at the Partial Hospitalization Program. Ranger and I were presenting and, as he walked into the classroom late, I invited him to sit right next to us. After a few minutes, Ranger put his paw on the man's foot and this big guy gently slid to the floor, laying down with my boy. He stayed there the entire hour with Ranger placing his paw on the man's arm whenever the petting stopped. He thanked us and said it meant the world to him to have that interaction. I even saw a hint of a smile.
So, getting involved with your time and your heart is not always the easiest road...but it is the richest road to travel. I wouldn't have it any other way. When my heart hurts for those we encounter, it means they have touched my life and while my heart might hurt, it has grown in ways I can't even express.
I always say I am just on the other end of the leash, but what a wonderful place to be.
