I love watching Lily in the library. She’s relaxed, happy, and soaking up the attention from people who walk in the door and pet her. Some tell her how pretty she is. She looks up into their faces, listening to every word they speak to her. She feels at home here. It’s her special place.
Lily needs to get away from the excitement of the pack back home where four dogs vie for attention. Here, it’s all her. I’m so happy for this dog – who, 11 months ago, flew from Wisconsin to join us here at Bridgvale farm. My dear friend, Judi Hunter, who gave me James and his sister Julia, knew that Lily had the soft heart of a therapy dog. She wanted her to be here with us and bring comfort to those in need as a Bright Spot Therapy Dog.
Lily has needed a lot of training – and as with all of our dogs, training is continuous, lifelong, a part of our daily routine. Lily was 2 years old when she came here – and that’s young for an English Setter. She needed lots of patient training… never rushing the process… baby steps all the way. In addition, Lily’s immediate attachment to me led to some pretty strong separation anxiety. In the beginning, I couldn’t be more then a few feet away from her, let alone out of her sight. For this, I called in my friend and expert dog trainer, Susan Miller, the Canine Counselor. Susan has a solution for everything – and can work miracles. Today, after three months of following Susan’s suggestions, Lily is fine with me being out of sight in another part of the house or outside gardening. When I leave the house in the car, she settles into her crate, as do the other three dogs, and takes a nap. This came with a lot of perseverance on my part… and I’ve never given up on Lily. She has an endearing soulfulness that makes for a wonderful therapy dog. I believe in her and this is what gives me such a feeling of delight in watching her blossom in the library environment.
At the library today, after a bit of practice heeling up and down the stacks, Lily and I went over to spend time relaxing over in the Children’s Corner. Soon, a young girl and boy – sister and brother – came over and lay down beside her. The two had been at camp all day – their first day of a 2-week session. They talked about swimming and kayaking. Lily was totally relaxed and absorbed in their chatter. The girl asked if Lily liked to be hugged. Lily, of course, was in her element… receiving the hugs – and reciprocating with gentle kisses on the little girl’s cheek. Oh, said the little girl, Lily is so much more friendly than my dog. I can tell she likes it when I pet her. And, she’s so pretty. I like her long floppy ears. Dogs don’t know the meaning of the words we speak – but Lily sure was happy with the attention she received.
We’re now making 2-3 visits a week to the library and lengthening the duration of our stay. We spend lots of time together relaxing on the colorful rug over in the children’s area… I hold up books for Lily to look at… simulating the reading-to-dog environment. This dog was meant to do this, I can tell… A good therapy dog loves working. Lily you’re going to be great!
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