Day 463

Ranger did double duty today. We walked down to Walker Senior Residence for a quick visit and returned home to hydrate and cool down. Then, he gladly hopped into the car for a trip to Mercy Hospital. Right now, at 4:30, the "real feel temperature" is 114!! We Minnesotans are NOT used to such heat... especially our pups!

At the beautifully air-conditioned hospital, Ranger trotted off to make his rounds. We must have encountered 100 people before we arrived at the Partial Hospitalization Program. It was a great start!

Entertaining the classroom, I was told there was a young lady who was beyond fearful of dogs. It didn't take me long to identify her when all 93 pounds of Golden walked through the door. She almost bolted, but moved to a corner chair where she proceeded to literally cower. I assured her that we would sit across the room and let her know she was safe.

After a number of members in the class interacted with Ranger, she visibly relaxed. Before I began teaching, I told her I understood and respected her fear, but there would never be a more gentle, nonthreatening dog than this big guy and invited her to come closer if and when she felt the urge.

Halfway through class, she stood up and slowly approached us. Never taking her eyes off of Ranger, she carefully came to sit in the chair next to mine. Perhaps it was the big Golden's wagging tail or simply the kind look in his eye, but she eventually reached over to pet that huge head! No words were exchanged, but her smile said it all!

Facing our fears can be a struggle. Being apprehensive of a situation is a way to protect ourselves from danger or harm. Add in a few negative experiences and avoidance is the result. After assessing why the situation might make you fearful and adding a dose of common sense might just help to face your fears. That is what our young friend did at PHP this very day!

I have faced fears and often met them head-on! For example, snorkeling in the ocean with huge sea turtles (and possibly sharks) nudging my arms and legs could have sent me into a panic. By taking a deep breath and observing my diving buddies, (thank you, Matt and Amanda!) I was able to stay in the moment and enjoy a once-on-a-lifetime gift!

After assessing the situation for safety, it might just be worth the angst to "jump in the water" with whatever fear is floating nearby. Regrets can be just as scary as the fear that kept you from diving in!

As for Ranger, he is cool, hydrated, sleeping and dreaming...perhaps about overcoming fears of his own. Look out squirrels!