| The room was dimly lit and the only sound was that of | | | | had had. By the look on his face I could tell he was a |
| a breathing machine.I tapped on the door and gently | | | | long way away, living that past again. Olly and I listened |
| pushed it open seeing an elderly man sitting quietly by | | | | patiently as he relived the many adventures he and his |
| the bed looking tenderly at the woman lying in it. The | | | | wife had shared. It was a pleasure to see his rugged |
| nurse at the ICU nurses station had suggested we | | | | face light up as he laughed and told story after story. I |
| check room #4, saying the gentleman there with his | | | | don't know how much time passed, it didn't matter as I |
| wife had seemed to have had a sad and lonely day. | | | | knew this would be our final visit for this night. |
| Maybe a visit would cheer him. You see, me and my | | | | Sometimes you just know where you are really |
| dog Olliver-a175 lb. Great Dane-are a pet partner team | | | | needed and it doesn't matter how much time it takes. |
| and we volunteer at the local hospital. Our job is to | | | | Finally he blinked back some tears and squeezed my |
| bring a smile and hopefully a little joy to what can be a | | | | hand real tight. He ruffled Olly's ears and gave him a |
| sad, lonely place for some people. | | | | little hug. "Oh my", he said. "So many of these things I |
| The man seemed a bit startled to see us at the door. | | | | haven't thought of in years? Thank you so much for |
| But I introduced myself and Olliver explaining that we | | | | the wonderful visit. For taking the time to sit with me |
| were a visiting pet partner team and would be pleased | | | | and for bringing back so many memories. We had a |
| to visit with him if he would like. He took my hand in | | | | good life, yes, we did." |
| one of his and stroked Olliver's long ears with the other | | | | We shared our good-byes and as I closed the door I |
| a smile bright on his face. He asked several questions | | | | saw him reach for his wife's hand and heard him say. |
| about Olly and we shared several laughs about what | | | | "Yes, we did make good memories, didn't we." And he |
| people think when they see such a large dog, | | | | leaned over to kiss her cheek. |
| especially in a hospital! Bit by bit he began to unfold his | | | | As Olly and I made our way to the parking lot the |
| past. All the while clasping my hand, stroking Olliver and | | | | tears slid down my face and I had to give him a big |
| gazing lovingly at his wife. Olliver is a wonderful | | | | hug! "You did a good job tonight, Baby Dog", I tell him. |
| therapy dog. He stood patiently then finally laid down | | | | Sometimes it doesn't take a lot of words or effort. |
| beside the man. The advantage he has by being so | | | | Just being there, listening, sharing and letting someone |
| large is that he is easy to reach even when lying | | | | else share. Giving some of your time can make such a |
| down! The old man shared stories of their life on a | | | | difference. That is why I love volunteering with Olliver. |
| ranch, the horses, cattle and of course the dogs they | | | | So, smile! And make a memory today. |