Day 45

6/25/22

Audrey…my loving, conniving, giving, dog-adoring friend.

We were introduced to this lady when we had one of our first visits to another senior complex in town. The staff told me I NEEDED to stop by to see this resident since she loved dogs of all shapes and sizes. Well, I had a big guy with me! That’s for sure! Arthur was my first, beloved golden and he was immense! Long legs, wide shoulders and hitting the scales at well over 100 pounds, this gentle giant was my introduction to the gifts Therapy Dogs have to offer. His nickname was Moose.

Arthur and I trekked up the elevator and headed down to her room. She was at the very end of a hallway, so we had the joy of greeting many people along the way. After finally arriving at Audrey’s door, I soon realized that my freedom with the other residents was all about to stop!

This sweet woman, who was well into her 80’s, took on the roll of guide and benefactor. It was almost as if Arthur was a Hollywood star and Audrey was his agent. In the weeks that followed, she would be waiting for us at the elevator to accompany us on our rounds. At first, I was a bit uncomfortable with the situation, but I soon realized that she was guiding us to the people who needed us most. She would have made a wonderful Therapy Dog!

I met her family and was soon communicating with one of her lovely daughters. I was included in celebrations and kept in the loop regarding health issues. Somewhere along the way, I became much more than a dog handler and began to love this spunky woman. Arthur thought she hung the moon as she would save half her lunch to share with him when we settled in her room after our dance card was all checked off.

We were invited to events at the home as well. One time, I even took Asher up to a petting zoo. Audrey was waiting for us with some of her family and soon was snuggling a bunny. She was smart, crafty and full of love for her family, four-legged creatures and the two of us.

I knew she was failing, but I was determined to nurse her back to health with DQ malts, cookies and anything else I could think of. It didn’t work. Week after week, she would rise to the visit, but eventually it was a struggle for her to sit up in bed. We still came and would sit by her side and talk about family, pets and anything else she might enjoy.

One day, I got a call to come up with Arthur because she wouldn’t be with us to see tomorrow. We got in the car, headed over, rode the elevator and slowly walked down the hallway to her room. When I softly knocked on the door, one of her daughters opened it and quietly asked us to come in. Sweet Audrey was in the center of at least ten family members…sitting beside the small form in the bed, stroking her arms, being near.

They had a chair set up for me as I led our big golden to the head of the bed. I sat down and there was silence in the room. Being unsure of what was the right thing to do, a family member said, “She’s been waiting for you.” Arthur licked her hand while I basically gave a eulogy of our time together. Stroking her forehead, I wondered if I was going to get out of there without falling apart. There were tears from the family as I shared our memories but then, that didn’t surprise me. We were surrounded by those who loved her best.

We said our goodbyes and hugged everyone as we headed for the door. My tears finally started to flow as I looked back at this amazing gal one last time. She was something very special to so many. Arthur and I were so very lucky to have been a small part of her world.