Day 668

Today was a rare day when we had no Therapy Dog visits! The schools are on Spring Break so Ranger and I stayed home. Of course, sweet Asher was home too, so our day was full of precious memories.

We took our various dog walks, had a picnic lunch, went to a park with dear friends AND removed Asher's bicycle training wheels...he zipped away without a backwards glance! It was a day full of fun and relaxation!

Throughout the day, a certain realization took hold as my doggy pack was almost always near. My Goldens are my own special Therapy Dogs in life. Whenever we went out, they were waiting for us, watching for us or looking out the window for our return. Whenever we were in their presence, these angels were touching us, following our every move or sitting nearby with their sweet eyes trained on us with loving gazes.

What they offer others, I have tended to take for granted in our day-to-day lives. They have become such a part of who I am that they are almost an extension of my being.

Tonight, as I write this, all four surround my chair...touching my feet or positioning their bodies to have me in their sight. What gifts they are to those they visit and to me as well.

Dogs are "devoted love".... it's that simple. Their devotion is humbling and their love is non-judgmental and deeply-rooted. We do not seem to deserve them, but I will take all the love they offer!