Day 519

These pups do not have a mean bone in their bodies! Today, having been petted, hugged and loved by so many, Ranger finally met someone who made him uncomfortable and agitated. We were seated on a bench, visiting with a friend when a man walked off of the elevator. Approaching us, Ranger started forward to greet him and stopped about three feet away. Hackles up, tail between legs and a look of fear replaced his happy face in a heartbeat. I moved to stand between them in a flash. We are trained to put our dogs first, so I told the man he was probably tired and we made a hasty retreat!

Ranger had never had that reaction, but he was listening to his inner voice. I did not doubt his emotional response or his behavior. There was something about the man that brought out my Golden's fear and I was not going to second guess him!

That inner voice lives within each of us. There are times it warns us of danger and other times whispers to take a risk. Listen to that voice because the message is deeper than our reality. The inner self gives the best advice!

So for my Therapy Dogs, I observe and respond to their inner voice. They know...