Day 561

Today was a busy one for Lilly, Ranger and their Mama. Some days are like that, but it is overwhelmingly heart-warming when you look back on each and every interaction. My two seniors were absolutely beautiful today.

Lilly and I started out at Walker and couldn't rouse one of our regulars. After much knocking and a phone call to our friend, we went to the concierge to get a "well check." Returning to the floor, Lilly and I held our breath and waited while someone finally unlocked his door to find our special guy sound asleep in front of the TV. We were beyond relieved and stayed with him for the next hour!

Later in the day, Miss Lilly and Sammy went to the vet for an appointment. The wonderful Dr. D. spent 45 minutes with our two pups and let us know both were healthy. Sam had shots, but Lilly always needs a check for bumps and lumps that suddenly appear. All was well. Relief was palpable and I admit there were a few tears in my eyes.

In between, Ranger and I were at Mercy and finished our time there up in the Partial Hospitalization Program. Walking into our "classroom," we were welcomed by a group of twelve patients. After settling down at one end, a young man approached us and sat on the floor with Ranger. As he was right in front of me, I kept an eye on my boy's comfort level and decided all was well. The class proceeded along when, all of a sudden, our young man began to cry and abruptly left the room. Getting the "nod" from a professional in the classroom, I continued with our discussion...but my heart had left the room with Ranger's new friend.

Near the end of class, the young man returned, came over to give Ranger a hug and then went to sit down across the room. Tears were still streaming down his face, but he seemed to be doing better. We started to share stories of the class members' own pets, when one of those heart-wrenching moments occurred.

The young man, who was a refugee from another country, began to talk. He talked about his two dogs he had left behind in his homeland with a cousin who promised to take care of them. He eventually discovered that both beloved pets had passed away due to illness and nobody there who could afford treatment. At this point, more than a few eyes teared up. Then he shared something that touched my heart so very deeply. He began with his beautiful accent...

"When I started to pet Ranger, it gave me so much comfort. I rubbed his ears and his big head and it made me remember my own two dogs whom I loved so very much. Ranger then put that big head in my hands and looked at me for the longest time. Holding his head...loving him...I finally could say good-bye to my own dogs. Thank you, Ranger."

I was crying, but not be myself. Even the most stoic in the room had tears in their eyes. What a gift animals are to we humans. They can bring comfort to the sad and lonely, bring a smile to the sick and even bring an entire room of strangers together to share a moment of love. Thank you, Ranger. Thank you, Lilly. Thank you, all animals who work their magic on our hearts.