On the Gift of Canine Therapy
by Raoul White
Listen,
wait, for purple amber dawn to bring another day. Somewhere down the hall
there
is a stirring cry. (Of course the crying is all the time.) The shuffling
sounds of morning announce,
“It’s just another day.” There are people. They are moving all about tending
their chores.
The touch or remark from them is contact but not caring. For the most, the
place lacks the
generosity of freely given love. No one ever plans their life this way.
Into
this come dogs. Who, like their handlers, know nothing but how to give. Panting
faces wash away all care.
Usually,
it is the dogs who receive the plaudits and recognition. However,( to the
wise)
it is their caretakers who bring gifts that no dog could ever provide;
caring, loving, and genuine
warmth of another’s touch.
WellStar Nursing Facility
Dallas, GA
July 20, 2001