Day 1442

These two boys tag-teamed to take stress away from Lincoln Elementary staff today. For the four hours they were there, the pups seemed to be pretty stress-free themselves. Each boy took full advantage of the chance to be loved!

This was Sammy’s first time at Lincoln and he did very well! Everyone who met him seemed to be charmed. He played his cards just right by using all the Golden charm he possessed. Gus already knows all the tricks of the trade! The staff got right down on the floor and, as they interacted with both boys, you could see the stress dissolve. Therapy Dogs touch hearts in a way humans cannot.

When we have longer sessions, I keep a close watch on the dog’s stress level. Not only are they meeting relative strangers in close proximity, but they are feeling their stress and sharing the burden. Today, one special lady arrived and tears filled her eyes. She had lost her sweet dog somewhat recently and seeing our Golden triggered the hurt. She touched our boy and then got up to leave quickly (before the tears arrived in earnest). Gus, who had been almost comatose on the floor, quickly stood up and went to her as she began to make her exit and leaned right in. He knew. She stayed for a bit and soaked up his love.

Many of us absorb other people’s angst and hurt when we are near sadness, fear or other emotional trauma. There are days when I need a Therapy Dog myself after visits that deeply touch the heart. Luckily, I know right where to turn.

Gus is an amazing empath and Sam is developing into a great Therapy Dog. It is humbling to share their lives.