Day 605

Wherever I go, my boys (Lilly is usually on the couch) want to be right at my feet! Every now-and-then, there are moments where I need to leave them behind for a short time. They are never happy about that arrangement!

Having my Goldens near is such a gift...I am never lonely. Even when this big old house seems quiet, they make their presence known by the tapping of paws on the floor, the feeling of a big head resting on my feet or simply the affection they can show with the wag of a tail. They are some of the best company around.

In our line of volunteer work, we encounter many lonely people. Seniors, hospital patients and many others often exist in a very small world...and have an even smaller circle of friends. At the senior homes, we could spend every day - from morning until night - and still not reach all of those lonely people. It hurts my heart.

Wrestling with the answer to that predicament guides me to stay longer, visit groups, stop in the hallways for meet-and-greets and use any other technique to reach more individuals. Even when our visits seem to encompass more lonely folks, it is never enough to bring me peace.

My dream is to have a senior dog rescue attached to some of these senior living homes. It could be an annex of sorts where residents could visit the dogs and feel needed and wanted. The "Rescue" would be for the dogs, but would also rescue lonely people! A girl can dream!

In the meantime, I encourage others to train and certify their dogs as registered Therapy Dogs so more people can be reached. I also attempt to spread my Goldens' healing touch to more and more individuals each week. I know, first hand, how dogs (and other animals) can take a lonely heart and make it feel full again.

If anyone ever has the desire to be at the other end of the leash with your pup, please let me know and I can guide that process! It is a wonderful way to volunteer and I come away with my cup full!