Day 617
Today, after making sure all the boys (especially Gus who is on the mend) were doing well, Lilly and I headed over to Walker Plaza for a visit. We go to this venue two days each week with Tuesday being our "Sit and Hold Court Day!" Instead of walking around the building, we set up camp by the elevators while we visit with two very special friends. Each time the elevator doors open, our conversation stops abruptly to accommodate a new group of admirers!
This morning, we had such a variety of "Lilly Fans" and my girl enjoyed every one of them. As residents exit the elevator, they are often surprised to see Lilly off to the side in the Game Room. Like the magnet she is, few can resist her charms and set their course for our Golden.
There were two unusual occurrences this morning which were linked in an amazing way. First, a new member of the floor came by with tears in her eyes. She zeroed in on Lilly and explained that her life had changed dramatically. Losing her husband, rehoming her pup and moving to Walker seemed to be too much for this sweet gal. She needed our Therapy Dog and settled in for a loving visit. After a bit, she left with my promise to find her tomorrow with Lilly in tow.
Suddenly, the elevator doors opened and an ambulance crew flowed out and headed down the hall. Returning in a few minutes, there seemed to be a misunderstanding about the need for their services. We thanked them for what they do and they disappeared down the shoot.
Almost immediately, our new friend came back for some more "Lilly Love" and announced that the medical team had knocked at her door. She assured them that she was not the one in need, but wouldn't let them leave without some ginger cookies. (Smiling through her tears...she still was missing her prior life...she added, "EVERYONE loves ginger cookies!"). I reminded her that we would be there for a visit in the morning. One more petting session with Lilly and she seemed to feel better.
What is it about the magnetic pull of dogs? Lilly simply lies on the floor and people clamber over any obstacle to touch her and look in her eyes. Evidently, those eyes are the draw. So many people comment on the way she looks deep into their eyes with kindness and love. It's true. Her eye contact is honed to perfection.
Little do the recipients of those loving eyes know, but that wonderful eye contact was trained into Ranger and Lilly. Back in the days of doggy school, our trainer asked us to cut up LOADS of string cheese in a container to bring to class. We were then instructed to put a few in our mouths and spit it at the dogs when they looked us in the eye. Much like a Peds Dispenser, my Goldens still look at me wondering what just might be waiting to be flung through the air at their ready jowls...not string cheese!
Whether it is trained or not in the early years, Lilly has the ability to look at people with a depth of heart and soul...drawing visitors towards her. That eye contact has remained with my Goldens since puppyhood, and they seem to want to connect with everyone they meet. That is a gift...whether there is a side of string cheese projectiles or not!
