Day 667

Lilly is still in recovery mode, so our newest Therapy Dog hit the road once more. Spending over two hours at The Walker, he experienced multiple elevator rides, new friends, bacon from the kitchen and harmonica music! There were a few moments when this shy boy leaned on his Mama, but he really proved to me what a wonderful Therapy Dog he will be! Sweet Gus...

Our last stop was a visit with our dear 100-year-old friend. Gus sat by me for the first part of our time together, but when the harmonica came out, he was front and center. The musician, Don, told us he would play softly and in a lower register to protect puppy ears. As he began playing an Irish medley, Gus sat up, cocked his ears and sang right along! The music was not loud or pitched high enough to hurt his ears, our boy simply wanted to join in! When Don would pause, Gus moved closer and wagged his tail. When the next song was offered, he sang a bit and then took up the "Lilly Position" at Don's feet. Precious memories...

Why do my dogs love this man? Why does EVERYONE love this man? I decided to get to the bottom of this mystery.

Me: "Don, you are loved by so many people! You know how much I love AND my Goldens adore you! What is your secret weapon to gather all this love?"

Don: "Well, Laurie...(long, humble pause), I guess my philosophy is to just be nice to everyone. All the people I meet need kindness. I can give that to them."

His simple answer held such thought-provoking depth. I think we need a lot more Don's in the world! Everyone only exuding kindness...what a world -changing goal. I, for one, plan to embrace that nugget of wisdom going forward.