Day 323

4/4/23

Here are two truths: Smiling simply lifts the spirits! Goldens and smiles go together!

Today, I started my smiles while walking Lilly. I tend to chat with the pups as we stroll and this morning, as I looked up into the sky, my visit went something like this:

"Look up, Lilly! Over there! (pointing while being ignored by my furry friend), Up there! The geese are returning! Spring is here! Isn't that wonderful?"

Lilly was not interested, but my smile was huge as the spectacular "V" gracefully moved towards the north!

Smiles continued as Miss Lilly and I visited one of our favorites at Walker and encountered many friends in the hallways as well. Those seniors love the dogs and they never fail to offer a smile as we zero in for some Golden Love.

On to Mercy with Ranger and the smiles were abundant. Even though a mask is required at both venues, I could tell the smiles were being returned by simply looking into the eyes of Lilly's and Ranger's fans.

Smiles were accompanied by laughter when we stopped by Administration and Ranger refused to leave his buddies. We finally convinced him to go out the door by offering him a treat at the exit!

We continued on the the Heart Center, meeting many people along the way. From one end of the hospital to the other, Ranger did his job by bringing joy and smiles with each stop.

We met a lovely family up on 4 Heart who were there to support their mother. She had suffered a stroke and was just beginning the battle of regaining what she lost. We were invited back to visit, so off we went with three of her daughters.

When we arrived at the room, we met the father and the introductions began. "Mom" was propped up in a chair, but was unable to focus on her right side or move that half of her body. Whispered words told us the stroke had affected her entire right side, speech and comprehension. Ranger and I headed around to her left side and the family elevated her chair. Still, she had no success in connecting with the big Golden.

Then, all of a sudden, Ranger moved in and ALMOST put his paws up in her lap. Instead, he placed one paw on her knee and she actually looked down into those big, brown eyes. She smiled! It was a gorgeous, lopsided one, but it brought cheers from the family! The family actually teared up as they told their mother about Ranger.

As our patient kept attempting to stay focused on Ranger, I asked for her name. (I make a list of people's names as I visit and keep them tucked into my heart.) I was hoping that asking this question wasn't causing too much stress for our new friend when, all of a sudden, she started to make sounds. With GREAT determination and a real struggle, she said, "BON...NIE." The family erupted in cheers and hugs.

After thanking Ranger for his miracle visit, we said our farewells and headed for the door. Before we exited the room, we paused and I said, "Bonnie, what a beautiful name. I will keep you right here in my heart!"

Smiles circled the room...even Bonnie smiled. There were a few tears, but the smiles won out!

Smiles and Goldens...what a team!