Day 94

8/16/22

Today was such a golden hodge-podge. It seemed as if we were on the run all day.

First, of course, I had the joy of walking with my goldens along the river. We always meet a few old and new friends, so we had a lovely time.

Next, Ranger and I headed to Walker with a quick visit to a few seniors. One of our favorites was waiting for us in the game room with treats galore. Ranger was just like a puppy!

We next had a rendezvous at the hospital with "half of a future Therapy Dog Team." Wanting to be prompt, I left Lilly home and brought Ranger (who was groomed and ready to go) to the meeting. Barb has a two-year-old golden who has recently been certified. Barb shadowed Ranger and myself as we went to our usual "haunts." It was eye-opening to see Ranger's work through new eyes. I know we encountered well over 100 staff, visitors and patients during our walk through the halls and beyond. So many smiles, so many kind words exchanged and a very happy golden who loved every minute! Next week, I meet Barb with her pup and we will do some further training.

After lunch and some time with Asher, we headed home to settle in for the afternoon. Ranger was SPENT, but was certainly able to eat his lunch before plopping down on the couch in front of Dog TV. With Asher home, goldens resting and Mac busy with paperwork, I headed out to do some yardwork on this glorious day.

I hadn't been at it long when a neighbor, who I know only through a few waves and friendly chatter, came over with tears in her eyes. Now, I had recently seen Sarah pulling a little red wagon with one of her elder dogs riding within. She had mentioned that the 14-year-old was not doing very well, but she still wanted to take him for a "walk".

Without asking a question, I just wrapped my arms around her and said how sorry I was. She told me she had come to me because I would understand her sorrow. We cried together for awhile and then she headed home. I dropped off a gift with some dog treats for her other two rescues and a note that said,

"What a lucky boy to have been loved by you!"

I meant every word I wrote. What I didn't write, but she already knows this, was how lucky we are to have that unconditional love from our pups (cats too). They show us how we should live our lives: Don't worry. Enjoy every moment. Love unconditionally.
Words to live by from those who can't even speak words.