Day 856

Miss Lilly continues to charm the residents at Walker. Being at the other end of the leash, I guide her here and there while she wags her tail and shares her special brand of love. It is humbling to watch the connections she makes.

On the other paw , Lilly watches me for cues and follows me wherever I choose to venture. She rarely has a say in the matter. Her attitude is always positive as she follows me, unquestioningly, from room to room. She was born to do this work!

There are times in our own lives when we simply follow blindly as a trusted individual leads the way. Having faith in the knowledge of another can help you learn and discover as you follow the path they offer. There is much to learn from being “tethered” to someone who has knowledge and experience!

Other times, there might be no one to lead and you move forward by trial and error…not my favorite mode of learning. My best example was when I student taught years ago. My supervising kindergarten teacher was very ill and didn’t tell a soul. On the 3rd day of the new school year, she passed away. The school had faith in my ability to carry on without her! They allowed me to be “the teacher” and so I moved forward with trepidation and little faith in my abilities. Somehow, I made it through and the students seemed to learn in spite of their neophyte teacher! I grew, I learned, I survived, but would have welcomed anyone with a “leash” to lead me.

Lilly and I make the perfect Therapy Dog team…I lead and she works her magic. For others, who are learning by following a trusted individual or by “trial-by-fire," making decisions will come easier with every step.