Day 1576

Gus headed to his favorite hospital to share his soothing nature with anyone who might need some calm, hope or love. We spent time in the waiting rooms, hallways and physical therapy where we were greeted with outstretched hands and stories of the pups waiting at home. It wasn’t until we headed over to the Heart Center, that Gus got to really turn on the charm.

We went to the fourth floor where we met with a lead nurse who asked if she could shadow our visits to the rooms. After a few questions about Therapy Dogs, we were off!

There were a number of patients who reached out for some Golden Love, but mostly, it was staff who needed our boy! The stress level with doctors, nurses and other auxiliary professionals was high. They simply wanted a moment with our boy. They got it. Gus ate that love right up and offered it back.

Thinking back to my discussion with the nurse on 4 Heart, I smile. We talked about qualifications, testing, venues and so much more. What it really came down to in the end was the “why.” Why do we do it?

Ask the human of any Therapy Dog team and the answer will probably be to help others and make the world a bit kinder. Ask the dog portion of that same team and they would wag their tail, nuzzle your hand and let you know it’s all about the love.