Day 1410

Today, Gus graced the hallways of Walker and touched so many hearts. Sometimes, I marvel at the way people gravitate to the Therapy Dogs without words or even an invitation…they just approach and connect with a Golden. There are times when we walk down a hallway and get stopped many times so that a person can simply touch their fur. It is magical…they are magical.

After visiting on Thursday morning, we always end up at the Monroe Room where residents gather for a visit with “Laurie and Her Therapy Dogs.” ( It sounds a bit like a circus act!).

Today, our event was was attended by only one little lady! At first, I waited for others to join us, but then decided to focus all of our attention on the sweet woman scratching Gus behind the ears. She had a Golden before moving into the facility, so her love was genuine for our boy. After a few minutes of getting acquainted, I asked her a few questions to guide her into sharing her life. She started slowly, but built up steam as she revisited her childhood and beyond.

Apologizing for a couple lapses in memory (nouns were evasive), she spoke of a childhood trip to California, her grandparents’ farm in Minnesota and her own marriage. Tears were shed as her life story unfolded and the memories became so real. I must admit a had to take a swipe at my own eyes more than once. When it was time to part she thanked me profusely for listening. I responded that it was my privilege and I meant it.

Perhaps the crowd didn’t gather. I know the energy in the big room was subdued. Only one person sat with an audience of two (Gus may have “checked out” after a bit), but what transpired was an intimate conversation with a sweet lady who was lonely. We listened while she told her beautiful story. We couldn’t have asked for a better encounter and left the room richer than when we entered.

Listening is free. What a joy to be in the audience!