Charlie the Therapy Dog

Are you not often amazed by your animal companions? Whether they show you something new that they learned, did something to make you laugh, or showed you how much they love you in their own unique way, our animal companions are very tuned into us.

My little dog Charlie is a very faithful companion. He follows me around the house, sleeps with me at night, and unless he’s taking a nap, he keeps an eye on me to watch what I’m doing. But he also has some other amazing gifts. He is a self-taught therapy dog. I wish I could take credit for his amazing abilities, but he actually came to me this way.

Some of you know that a dear client of mine was hospitalized, and eventually ended up in a nursing home.  I was very honored when she asked me to take Charlie as my own boy. Every week Charlie and I went to visit with her.  He would get on her hospital bed and snuggle right up with her.  I remember very well, that Friday morning when the hospital called letting me know that our friend was on life support.  And even though she was in the ICU, I asked if I could bring Charlie. Amazingly they allowed us to sneak him in through the back door. While I held her hand, Charlie laid on her chest as she made her transition. He could tell he felt the gravity of the moment. It was very touching.

Another example of Charlie's gentle and healing presence revolves around my late mother. She lived with us until she was 99 years old. And as she got older, she nearly lost most of her vision. Many times, I’d see Charlie look up at her waiting for an invitation to join her, but she didn't always see him. If her invitation didn’t come soon enough, he would launch himself up onto her lap anyway. She’d say ‘ooh’, surprised to have a visitor, and then smile. Just thinking about it now warms my heart. He often gave my mother love and comfort in the end. He always seems to know who needs a little extra love and attention in the room.

I have also seen Charlie sit with clients during sessions, who have come to my office with tears over the loss of their own animal companions. His natural inclination to comfort people, who are grieving, sad, feeling down or lonely, always amazes me. It touches my heart to see Charlie being so loving and caring.

Recently, I had the opportunity to take Charlie with me to a Memory Care Center to visit a friend with dementia. As we walked into the center, there were several residents sitting in a common room. One sweet little old lady giggled as she saw Charlie and asked for him to come to her.  I asked her if she wanted to hold Charlie. She nodded with enthusiasm. Well, that started it. One by one, Charlie sat on many different laps that afternoon. As I watched him working and answered questions about him, my heart was bursting with joy. It felt as though I could feel the Divine shining through both of us. And as I was watching Charlie, I thought why don’t I ask him how he feels about this work that he does with people.

Sandra: “How does it feel to go to a place where there are older people and they love to hold you?”

Charlie: “I like it mom. I can feel when people want me to be close to them and to hold me. It feels nice to let them love on me, and me love them. I really like how the love between us goes back and forth, back and forth. It feels good to feel needed and wanted. Sometimes when you go away, I’m home alone by myself. And I don’t mind it if you’re not gone too long, but I would rather be doing something with you and people, because I really love people. So, mom when can we do it again?”

Sandra: “Well Charlie as a matter of fact in about six days, which is about six big sleeps, we’re going to come back to this place where the people are so happy to be with you. You’ll get to see them again soon, okay?”

Charlie: “I’m ready!”

Sandra: “In the meantime we’re going to have a friend of yours come over tomorrow and you can love on her because she needs a friend right now, okay?” He literally gave me a single head nob that communicated, "Yes that’s good, that’s good."

“So, Charlie is there anything else you want to say right now?”

Charlie: “Yeah, can I have some more of those good treats you gave me before? I really liked them!”

Whether we are visiting with friends, family or people we just met, Charlie seems to know who needs a little extra love in the group. He intuitively comforts people in need, helping to elevate the mood in the moment, and in return, he feels content and appreciated. Over the years, I’ve learned animals like to have a purpose and feel valued, just like humans. And more importantly, they really like it when you acknowledge them doing it. A sincere thank you and I’m proud of you, good job, goes such a long way with animals. Similar to humans, animals want to feel loved and appreciated.

So, next time when your beloved animal companion greets you at the door after a long day, and their enthusiastic greeting and unconditional love puts a smile on your face, take a moment to say ‘Thank you’ with intention. They will definitely feel your gratitude and love!

Hoping everyone has a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. I’ll see you in the new year! Many Blessings – Sandra.