Day 56

7/7/22

Since we live very close to the hospital, there have been times when we have been called upon to run over for an unexpected visit. We have shown up for children, end of life events and people who simply need to see a dog.

One time, we were called up to the ICU to visit with a man who just wanted to see a dog before he left this earth. We hurried over with Ranger and headed up to the floor. The gentleman was cognizant, smiling and beyond excited to see our golden. Since the dogs are not allowed to jump up on the beds, we hoisted Ranger up on a rolling chair and pushed him right over to the patient. What ensued was so very heartwarming and beautiful. The man talked to Ranger, petted him and continuously looked at me to share his joy. We stayed for quite some time and Ranger never squirmed or fussed...just let the man pet him and gain comfort from the touch. Mac saw one of the nurses from the floor the next week. She told him the patient talked to anyone who would listen about Ranger that evening, all night and the next morning before he passed. Humbling...

Today, we had a request to visit with the matriarch of a wonderful family we have known for years! We didn't hesitate! Grabbing my vest and Ranger's bandana, we added badges and leash as we went out the door.

On the way up to 4 Heart, we met an older woman by the elevators. She smiled and approached us with both hands outstretched to the big, red Therapy Dog.

"I remember you, Ranger! When my son was here, you visited us again and again. He's gone now, but you will never know what that meant to him!'

Her son had so many medical issues and was often a patient at the hospital. We would always connect and honor the request to spend some time with him. I recall that he never complained, smiled all the time and was ever so grateful for the Therapy Dog visits. I shared some of that with his mom and said I would keep both David and her in my heart. There were no dry eyes for that encounter.

After numerous stops for scratches behind the ears and stress relief for staff, Ranger made it up to the room. There sat this beautiful lady with her family surrounding her. The love in that room was palpable. Her smile was welcoming and everyone in the room spent some time with Ranger. He did spend the majority of the visit glued to her side and, as we watched, her pulse dropped a few digits. Hopefully, she will be discharged soon.

We don't always have a destination like we did today. Even though we were headed to a certain room, along the way, Ranger touched so many lives. It is one of the biggest honors of my life to witness these gentle beasts make the world a better place. I know they make mine infinitely more precious.