Day 1355

Today, Sammy joined me on a Therapy Dog visit. Overzealous, excited and so very anxious to please, we headed through the door to the senior living facility with smiles on both our faces. First, however, we needed to refocus on who was in charge. Sammy was certain that answer landed in his camp… he was wrong! After a meeting of the minds and and a gentle shifting ofbthr wills, we walked through the door to Memory Care with my pup realizing he was mistaken. Good boy!

As we made the rounds, Sammy found his rhythm. Walking from one chair to the next, he sat and gazed at the resident in front of him with a look of love. Even though some of the elderly grabbed at his collar or rubbed his ears a bit roughly, he didn’t complain at all. He knew what was expected and he delivered.

Expectations can help guide actions in a positive way. They tend to set the parameters for behavior. Jobs, parenting, traveling, and a host of other life journeys certainly can have an “itinerary”, but sometimes, it might just be important to bypass expectations. When opportunities present themselves, it might just be time to break out of the mold and follow your heart.

Every parent knows that there is no exact script to follow… only guidelines. Travels present sideroads that become the best memories and job opportunities might shift to happier futures.

Today, Sam and I went to say goodbye to a friend in that Memory Care. It was not planned. It was not easy. It was beautifully poignant. Sam knew just how to share love with the family gathered there. He licked our friend’s hand and comforted in his own “flamboyant” way. Tears were evident in every eye as loved ones dealt with loss. Sam eased the sadness a bit and smiles broke through. He was unexpectedly perfect.

My youngest Therapy Dog surpassed my expectations this day when he was simply himself. It wasn’t what I planned, but his BIG personality was absolutely perfect.