Day 1219

This boy brought countless smiles to faces at Mercy Hospital this morning, in the three hours we walked the halls and visited rooms, we saw friends, met new people, interacted with staff and followed a number of strangers up to the hospital rooms of their loved ones. Ranger never faltered on his journey… he met every person with that beautiful face and every person responded with a smile.

The question I asked myself is, “Why can’t I elicit that response?" I have often joked about appearing in hospital room doorways and announcing that I am there to brighten their day…security would be called numerous times! So what is it about dogs that is different?

They are soft and fluffy with a loving demeanor. They have no agenda (Ranger does hint for a treat at times.), resist any self importance and wag their tail in friendship. They simply want affection. Humans could take a few pointers from these furry creatures!

Visiting is a joy, but my 12-year-old was ready to head home after our shift. He could hardly hop back into the car…poor baby! His tail was still wagging however and that Golden smile continued to be displayed across his white face! What an honor to be an attendant to this ambassador of happiness!