Day 928
The trust these Goldens place in us is humbling… food, shelter, safety and love are all freely given and never questioned.
Today, at one of our favorite senior residences, we were making the rounds when a visiting nurse needed some support. The thought was that the wonderful Activities Director, who is adored by all staff and residents, might use her connections to encourage a senior to allow a simple procedure to take place. She looked my way and said, “A Therapy Dog might help.” Off we went!
Entering the room, our normally sweet friend was seated in her arm chair fending off any staff that might get near a bandage on her leg. This dear lady was taking NO prisoners!!!! Taking a deep breath, I followed Ranger into the room.
Scanning the area for anything that might harm Ranger, we approached as the staff backed away. The scene abruptly took on a gentle tone. Averting my eyes from the bandage that needed tending, we came up to her for our normal visit. As she petted Ranger, staff tried to reason with her about simply checking for infection. She was beyond adamant that NOBODY was going to touch that leg! After a bit more hand-holding, hugs and promises to return next week, Ranger and I left the room followed by the staff. A plan was made to have her son come by to help with the process.
Trust is a funny beast. Even though it is built through years of consistent support and caring, when there is a feeling that control is being taken away, that trust can vanish in the blink of an eye…especially with the elderly.
If the staff had left Ranger to his own charming, persuasive self, I believe we had a chance at getting the bandage off. Our friend had no reason to doubt us and I fear she felt outnumbered and frightened by the sheer number of staff in the room. Trust flew out the window (except for a big Golden) and she was afraid. Hopefully, the son could work some magic!
Trusting those around us takes time and repeated experiences where a person’s honesty and support are not questioned. Building that bond is a reciprocal gift and should always be protected and guarded. With our senior friends, their sheer vulnerability makes that bond harder to form. We try anyway.
I was proud of Ranger today. He seemed to know that the resident was not angry with him and walked right up to calm her…he did that! Dogs are amazing. Perhaps the trust he showed our senior friend calmed the waters. She certainly relaxed when that big red head was in her lap!
The trust built between our pups and their people is strong. I trust them to be their gentle, loving selves and they expect me to provide their every desire! Right now, Ranger is leading the charge for their afternoon meal. I better make that happen…they trust that I will!
