Day 50
7/1/22
There have been so many amazing Therapy Dogs and their handlers who have guided us on this wonderful path! Yesterday, at the hospital, someone asked me about our dearest four-footed-friend and so many memories took hold of my heart.
First, and foremost, there was Pat. She was our teacher, mentor, cheerleader and friend through all three dogs. What a gift she is to Therapy Dogs! She worked closely with Tiffany who taught the obedience and Canine Good Citizen courses. She removed any behavior issues so we could concentrate on the true heart of our visits.
There was Samson and his handler Kathy, who helped Arthur and me navigate our first tentative steps at Mercy Hospital all those years ago. Samson was a German shepherd/Corgi mix! He was a giver from the word go and his owner has now opened a very successful recue for both breeds (Faerieland Rescue).
Next is our friend Liz, who tested and certified our little rescue Nicki so that his Mama Kay would know he was a Therapy Dog before she passed. Liz was a support and remains committed to dogs (and people) everywhere she goes.
Wendy, with her bulldog Peach, has been such an inspiration to us as we traveled the testing road and moved into actual visits. She even let us be on Team Peach down at Canterbury Park for The Running of the Bulldogs! That was a real sight!!!
We can't forget our numerous friends at school libraries when we would read with the kids. Often, there would be 10 to 12 dogs and they all became friends. Arthur fell for a French poodle (named Darling) who flirted with him and he absolutely fell in love. He would act like a lovesick teenager and she would simply cross her paws and smile by wrinkling her nose and showing her teeth. It was so cute!
One friend stands out and he was the one that remains our truest and greatest model. Brewster was the one who stole the hearts of so many at the hospital, including Ranger's and mine. When we stepped onto that elevator, a nurse asked me if I ever saw him. Taken by surprise and fighting tears, I let her know he had recently passed. There were tears in her eyes as well.
This dog! This dog and his handler, Joan! Brewster was the biggest goldendoodle I have ever seen! Gentle giant that he was, he exuded character to the full extent of his incredible personality. Everyone knew this dog! Everyone loved this dog! Ranger loved him so much!
Joan, a kindred college professor, once told me that she had taken Brew to read with young children. A small girl was led over and silently sat down with a book. She handed the book to Joan, so she began to read to the child who, eventually, leaned over to whisper into Brewster's ear. This went on for quite some time until the whispers became a bit louder. The session ended, the little girl smiled and left as one of the staff approached with tears streaming down her face. She told Joan that the child had been through some horrible trauma and had been selectively mute for months upon months. Brewster was the first to hear her after such a long time of silent suffering. That dog!
Ranger was invited to a big celebration for Brewster's 500th visit as a Therapy Dog! There was cake for dogs and people, hats, necklaces and gifts for the big guy! Ranger was almost as happy as Brewster. That goldendoodle even made the front page of the local paper. That dog! What a dog! We miss him!
Now, we take all the gifts, lessons, affection and guidance from both the two and four-legged mentors as we carry on this legacy. Ranger and Lilly have learned so much, but I have received the most cherished gifts offered along the way! The basket of tricks, caring, commitment and devotion I carry in my heart was filled by all of these wonderful friends. I am one lucky girl!
