Day 1200

This boy just finished his first, official Therapy Dog visit as a certified pup! We traveled down to our beloved Walker and he spent a couple hours charming everyone in his path. Sam has the most endearing way of placing his “Golden Paw” ever-so-gently on people’s arms and leaving it there as he looks directly into their eyes. Although this is a typical “Golden” behavior, the duration of the touch and gaze are amazing! He was perfection!

Having doubted our boy during his pursuit of the Therapy Dog certification, I am thrilled with the outcome! Classes were challenging, testing practically gave me hives and heading into our first actual Therapy Dog visit was faced with trepidation! I needn’t have worried. He was wonderful!

There are two major kinds of doubt that face us on a daily basis. The first is related to lack of faith in those around us. In most cases, if we have little conviction in their success, it is for good reason. We have all experienced the disappointment of a loved one (two or four-legged) who has let us down. Mistakes were observed, feelings were hurt and we might be the one to face the “clean-up.” It takes so many success stories to eradicate the one that made us doubt. When that faith is restored, it is worth the wait! Sam proved that today!

The other kind is self-doubt which is even harder to rebuild. We are our own toughest critics, so we set the bar high for self-worth to be embraced once again. Most of us refuse to be kind to the one we are closest to… ourselves. Without compassion for our own mistakes, how can we learn from them, much less grow?

Sam proved that, if we give others enough time and love, they have a much better chance for success! Perhaps we should offer that same time and love to ourselves.