Day 876

These two are part of my “tag team!” Lilly heads to Walker and then we return home to pass the collar to Ranger who jumps in the car to go to Mercy Hospital. Between the two, we must touch at least 100 hearts each day. I get to be in the audience for each interaction!

Watching these meetings, at my end of the leash, brings every emotion to the surface. I have laughed, cried and everything in between. Being invited into someone’s intimate pain or joy is a privilege, to say the least. My Goldens are the conduit between every human interaction. Without them, my life would not be as rich.

Sharing these personal journeys is almost like a portal opened by the Goldens. It is humbling and unbelievable to be invited into someone’s heart in a Golden moment. As my life is enriched, hopefully, we bring comfort wherever those paws travel.

Today, Ranger was walking up on a floor when one of the doctors stopped us. Kneeling down on the floor, she hugged my big guy for a long time. She shared a bit about her day…all the time looking into Ranger’s eyes…and finally glanced my way. She thanked me and said, “I feel so much better now. I can move forward again.”

These dogs soothe so many hearts and I get to be a part of that connection. I am so blessed.