She’s going to make a TERRIFIC Therapy Dog! I knew she had it in her the moment I met her in the cargo area at Bradley International Airport… She walked right up to me, wagging her tail and snuggled up against me. She wasn’t a bit fearful of the strange location – and the strange people surrounding her. Lily’s sweet temperament shone through immediately.
My prediction proved correct when I took her over to our local nursing home this morning. She entered the lobby, walking right by my side – just as I had been instructing her. Her tail was wagging; her head held high – and she had a smile on her face. The sign of a happy-working therapy dog.
Three men were sitting in the lobby and were most obliging to act as Lily’s first residents to greet. They each pet her head and gave her a treat (I had brought plenty of Lily’s favorite treats in my pocket). They thought Lily was such a pretty girl.
“What unusual black markings you have,” said one. “Look at her eyes.” said another, “She looks right at you.”
All the while Lily sat beside the men – positioned just right so they could all pet her.
Down the corridor we went – Lily always walking right by my side – not pulling on the lead at all. As we walked down one empty corridor, we practiced the basic commands: sit, stay, down, come. Perfect! Then, heel – and off we went again, meeting residents sitting in their wheelchairs by the nurses’ station. Lily sat next to each so they could pet her head and ears.
One woman said, “She’s so pretty and so well-behaved.”
I found one of James’ favorite residents, Debbie, in her room lying in bed. Debbie is never in bed – but today she had a bad headache and was lying in bed watching a movie, hoping it would go away. She was pleased to see Lily and wanted to know all about her. She invited Lily to come up on her bed – which Lily did with complete grace and controlled manners. This is a pretty advanced skill for even a seasoned therapy dog. Proves to me that our new girl Lily is a natural.
As we left Debbie’s room, she said, “Thanks for coming to see me, Lily. I think you’re a great therapy dog. I’m glad you came. I think you’ve made my head feel better. Please come again.”
Lily, you did it! I’m so proud of you!
Congrats to Liliy and YOU!!