Day 1418

Day 1418. “Walking With Goldens”

Our Gus knows when someone needs him. When he senses sadness or fear, he moves right in and stands close… never looking around or moving more than a muscle or two, he places his complete focus on the person who needs him. He is magical.

Today, at one of our senior venues, there was a person who needed him so much. We noticed our friend on the way into Memory Care as he was being gently fed his breakfast by an aide. Not wanting to disturb that process, we moved on into the next room where many outstretched arms already waited.

After spreading some “Golden Love,” we said our farewells and slowly returned to our lonely friend. Sitting, head bowed, we walked up to him and gently started talking…

“Hi, Sweetie. Gus wants to say hello. Let’s put your hand on his head. He sure likes that feeling of you petting him. How is one of our favorite guys?”

Continuing along this line of connection, I reached out and stroked his arm. He looked up with eyes only half-aware, but I saw the start of a smile. Petting Gus, our friend started to talk to him. He sat up a bit straighter and his eyes seemed to clear. Finally, he agreed to join the other residents, slowly stood and moved in that direction.

Gus made all the difference in that moment. He reconnected this gentleman to the world. Gus didn’t do it for a treat, he did it because he could feel the sadness. What a beautiful moment.

Reaching out to those who seem a bit lost can make all the difference in the world for one person. What better gift can we offer? Gus knows and gives his heart over and over. Being at the other end of the leash can be a beautiful thing.