Day 1590

Gus had a special visit to Mercy Hospital today. He visited with amazing staff, volunteers and patients with their families. One particular doctor squatted down to get closer to our boy. With Gus leaning in and the physician rubbing his ears, I asked how his day was going. His reply…”It just got a lot better!” Therapy Dogs are angels.

Going up to the heart floor, we were asked by a daughter if we could go in to visit her mom who was having a rough time. Getting permission from the nurse, we headed back to the room. As we approached, I saw the gentleman we sat with last week. Standing outside the door to the room we had been sent to, we exchanged a caring greeting and he told me she was really struggling today. Agitated, angry and confused, his wife was lashing out at family and staff.

Ready to retreat if Gus showed any signs of unease, we washed up and entered the darkened room. A number of family members parted as we slowly walked in and approached the bed. I asked the patient if she liked dogs and she said “Not really.” Reading the room and my pup, I continued forward.

“That’s OK…not everyone loves dogs like I do, but this one seems to think you are something special. He’s wagging his tail and trying to get closer to you.”

Her head turned and she slowly reached her hand toward Gus. The hope on the husband’s face encouraged me to continue.

“I understand you have had a bit of a hard time this week. I am so sorry, but you sure seem like a strong lady.”

By now, Gus was standing with his head in her hand.

“Looking around your room, I see so many people who love you and want you to keep fighting. What a wonderful group of cheerleaders.”

She was looking at me now and there was a nod and a hint of a smile.

“Gus thinks you’re pretty special because he doesn’t snuggle in to many people. That tells me you are a good person…Gus is never wrong.”

She actually nodded.

“We are going to leave now, but I am going to keep you right here in my heart. Keep getting better. We will see you next week.”

As we left, her husband touched my shoulder and thanked us. This is why we do this work. Gus changed the entire atmosphere of that room and the patient’s positive reaction flooded hope into the darkness.

Gus earned his nap when he got home…and a whole bunch of tummy rubs, ear scratches and love as well.