Day 41

6/21/22

Two tired pups! They gave so much love today and now they are ready for a good night's rest!

Lilly started out the day visiting over at our senior complex. She absolutely loves everyone she comes in contact with and leaves no outstretched hand behind. Everyone gets some Lilly Love!

Quick trip home, switch out the red bandana and off to our local hospital with Ranger. We hadn't even reached the main check-in when two men walked by, reaching out to Ranger for comfort. I could tell that one of them was having a hard time, so I asked if there was anything I could do to help him. His father had been taken in by ambulance, his two kids were not being allowed to see him and he had been up through his dad's surgeries for 48 hours. Pictures of his two kids were shared, a few more words were exchanged and then...tears were shared all around. Touching the first man on his arm, I told him I would send strength their way throughout the coming days. He told me that meant more than I could ever know.

Wiping the tears away, I headed for the check-in station. Approaching the main desk always involves a wild flurry of greetings, pats and sometimes a treat! Eventually, Ranger finds his Daddy manning the computers and his tail goes into hyper-drive! Those two sure have a mutual admiration society!

We usually walk through the automatic doors with a few destinations in mind, but today we were on a mission. You see, a beloved and amazing friend was spending a few days in the hospital and he was our first stop!

We met this wonderful man at the senior complex a few years ago. Ranger, Lilly and I became instant fans and now Mac has joined the club. He is our harmonica playing friend who will soon be looking at that century marker!

We entered the room and his dear friend (almost adopted daughter) greeted us at the door. She told us he was doing better and "escape" might not be too far down the road. That would be wonderful, since he is so full of life and joy! He can better share that at home, but this man had obviously made a few new friends among the staff!

I approached his bed, but Ranger got there first! Therapy Dogs are not allowed to jump up on people, beds or anything else that might topple! Ranger didn't care! He carefully put his two big feet up on the bed and snuggled his huge head right in Don's lap! Watching him wag that tail like a propeller, we all just smiled and let them snuggle!

An hour or so later, Ranger and I needed to leave to teach a class up on the 6th floor, but it was hard to go. After a harmonica song or two, we finally headed out the door with about five minutes to spare. Turning to head down the hall, I was waylaid by a soft voice. "Excuse me. How can I set up and appointment for a patient who desperately needs to see a dog?"

I stopped in my tracks, looked at the woman, who turned out to be a social worker, and asked her where this patient was. She indicated a room across the hallway and told me the patient had just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. I suggested she ask if a Therapy Dog would be welcome, so she knocked on the door to inquire.

Right away, the door opened up and I could see family and a very scared woman within. Taking a deep breath, we walked in slowly, greeted the family along the way and approached the patient. Sometimes the right words just form and comfort in delivered, but Ranger was the real factor in breaking the tension. By the time we left, our new friend seemed calmer and was even smiling at Ranger's antics. I walked out of that room, a bit late for class, but knowing the visit had made a difference in the lives of everyone present.

So now it's time to tuck these two angels into bed and sit back, sending strength to the people who touched our lives today. What an honor to be on the other end of that leash!