Day 1073

Ranger LOVES reading with young students! What dog wouldn’t adore the kind words and loving touch these children offer in abundance?

The other day, one of our young readers happened to be blind. This did NOT slow her down at all! Snuggling up to our big guy, she proceeded to read her book. It did not matter that the book was upside down or that the story was “made up” as the pages turned. Her enthusiasm, smile and lilt to her voice made it clear that she loved reading to Ranger! It was a beautiful session!

After the book was done, she leaned in further and began to run her fingers through Ranger’s hair. Her comments went beyond her sense of touch and melted my heart. Along with words to define the big Golden’s soft, warm fur, she went on to describe him at another level.

“I can tell he is such a good dog. He lets me touch him and never moves. He is just like a person…he is kind.”

When she murmured her last thought, I hoped that the people she met in her life would be kind as well. Knowing, full well that not every connection with others would live up to her belief in people, I hoped that the few unkind meetings would be buried under the kindest and most loving encounters.

If we could all be like that sweet girl, and believe the best about people, perhaps more of them would try to measure up to that belief. I, for one am going to remember that beautiful little child and hope any kindness I offer to the universe somehow finds it way back to the people who need it most.