I’m not what most would call a crazy, passionate animal lover. But…
- last night, I followed a three year old around for most of an evening on a beautiful spring day as we gently tiptoed behind a rabbit to see how close he would let us get…up and over and around three different yards, crossing this way and that. A literal rabbit trail we were on!
- then we listened to for the robins and followed them
- then when the toddler and I went for a walk, as we walked by the ditch, we heard the low “ribbit” of a frog…we backed up and stilled ourselves for a long while until he felt comfortable croaking again. It was beautiful, and he played an intricate game of hide and seek with us as we sought to see him
- I got home and my aged, asthmatic cat ambled on over and settled in for a snuggle
- today one of our canine companions bounded into therapy…he clearly enters the therapy room with unbridled enthusiasm, and bounds over to me to greet me. I hate to admit how wonderful it is to receive such an uninhibited greeting of joy. He thinks he is a pet…but really he is a pet therapy dog.
Three of our staff have lost their aged dogs in the last while…and there has been sadness and mourning for each of those dogs. They have remembered and missed them as valued and treasured members of the family.
Those that have regular contact with animals can tell you what happens when you look deeply into their eyes, bury your fingers in their fur, and playfully engage. They centre a person, ground a person into the reality of the current moment. Fears and troubles can take a back seat for a moment.Animals do something for their owners…sure they drive ya nuts sometimes…but they provide safe companionship, steady affection, ready forgiveness, and silly joy.
Take a peek at the value of animals in the lives of those that need care (and isn’t that all of us?):
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