Day 1102

Ranger received the sweetest text today! One of our most beloved teachers at Oxbow sent a message meant for our Sweet Boy. It said…

“The way Ranger knew my student needed a snuggle…my heart”

The backstory happened as we were heading towards the classroom to share a book. At the doorway, our teacher friend was walking out with the dearest, sleepiest, little boy. She told us that he was having a rough day and was struggling to stay awake. Might we take him for a quick walk while she gathered the class for the story? Of course we were glad to comply.

We walked down to get a drink of water and then headed back to the room. Ranger never left his side and checked on him constantly while we walked to and from the drinking fountain. When we returned to the classroom, our new buddy sat on the carpet while Ranger snuggled up next to him. Within minutes, the little guy fell asleep again…this time with a big, protective Golden cuddled right next to him. It touched my heart.

How do these Therapy Dogs know just what is needed? How do they share their love with the neediest of people? How do they KNOW???

After hundreds of visits, where I am privileged to watch my Goldens at work, I have come to the realization that they simply open up their hearts and soak in whatever their visitor is feeling. Sadness, anxiety, fear…they sense it all. The beautiful part is that they know just what to do. A lick of the hand, a paw on an arm, a head in a lap or snuggling with a sleepy little boy… they offer their comforting presence and devote their entire being to the need they sense before them.

We really don’t deserve dogs. As long as they choose to offer their heart and soul to make the world a better place, I will gladly hold that leash… one of my favorite places to be!