Day 550
Miss Lilly was a visitor at one of our senior living homes this morning. This particular one is small, so we have gotten pretty connected with many of the residents...a true joy.
We always start in Memory Care where everyone gathers in front of the fireplace to watch some Dog TV with our girl. Lilly goes from one senior to the next with such empathy and compassion. She has that gift. As Lilly nudges hands and lays her head in laps, I get to visit with this amazing troop of hardy souls.
I have two unabashed favorites. JD is just about the biggest character I know. She loves to regale me about her time in the service where she trained 'search and rescue' Dobermans for the military. Then the stories expand to her African travels. For some reason, she loves hippos and will remind me that they are the most dangerous animals on that continent. The stories that follow are always graphic and fascinating. Her expressions are priceless and I adore our relationship. Even if there were no Dobermans or hippos, I wouldn't like her any less.
Then there is Harry...the sweetest, funniest guy around. He jokes about his predicament and takes everything in stride. Today, he was not sitting in front of the fire. When I inquired, they softly told me he is at the hospital where he will pass soon. My throat tightens and my eyes begin to fill with tears, but I shake it off, like my Goldens, and move over to meet the "New Kid."
Taking a shaky breath, I introduce Lilly and myself to Bob. He smiles a beautiful smile and shows me his empty wrist. Then he chuckles and says, "I can't find my watch for the life of me! I guess that's why I'm living here!" I rub his wrist, while Lilly decides he is her new favorite and lays her head in his lap. I say, "Don't worry, it will turn up...they always do."
We smile at each other and I make room for a new favorite.
Therapy Dogging has some challenges to the heart, but I wouldn't have it any other way. For the heart to ache, it must first feel love. There are many goodbyes, but just as many hellos. When we left, I let the tears flow. Helping Lilly into the car, I said, "Good Job, Sweet Girl. You made a difference." I am so lucky to be at the other end of the leash.
