Day 88

8/9/22

Today was a great day for Golden Visits! Lilly started out at Walker and brought joy to so many! She has a favorite friend (he has dialysis on our regular day) to visit on Tuesdays and knows right where he lives in the complex. If I let go of the leash, both dogs would go straight to our meeting place! This man is so special to all of us!

Ranger was next and headed to Mercy Hospital to continue that joy! We entered to sign in and were met by a number of volunteers who needed some love. Our boy was ready to deliver! Of course, the golden fluff migrated to many a black volunteer vest, but they all assured me it was a badge of honor.

We checked in on one of our favorites in administration. This man is basically in charge of the hospital. He had been on vacation for a couple weeks, so last week, I took a picture of Ranger looking up at his closed door in a mournful state. Ryan, our favorite guy, told me he received it and felt guilty ALL THE REST OF THE VACATION! He told us to wait and he literally ran to the coffee shop and returned with a bagel for Ranger. The entire office was in stitches to see him run back into his office with Ranger on his heels!

Next, we headed up to 3 West where they make an all call for any staff who needs some golden calm. It went something like this, "3 West Staff, Ranger the Therapy Dog is here to visit at the front desk!" They came running! Ranger went from one to the next with so much affection. Even the doctors stopped by for a hug.

A number of nurses asked us to stop by to see their patients and we were only too happy to oblige. One lady had a picture of her pups on the table beside her bed, so Ranger was a welcome sight for that lonely gal.

After the visits, we headed home and it was bath time for Ranger and Lilly. A few years ago, our dear friend, Terry Overacker, plumbed hot water to the outside line. He wanted to make sure we could adjust the water for the pups so that the temperature was perfect for their baths. Both of the goldens enjoyed the beauty parlor and now are happily sleeping off the damp hair!

I look back on the time spent with those pups today and smile. They helped so many people during their visits and I am humbled to be at the other end of the leash. Golden angels indeed!