This afternoon we were at the orthopedic hardware office to get new straps put on Jonalyn’s ankle braces. As we were leaving the office, I noticed an older woman walking toward the hospital, leading a little terrier of some kind. The dog had a blue vest on, advertising that she was a therapy dog.

The lady noticed my children (I had Alyssa with me, too) and asked if the girls would like to pet the dog. My kids don’t need to be asked a question like that twice! As they played with the dog, I spoke to the lady. She glowed as she told me how happy the dog made the patients in the hospital. Ginger, the dog, doesn’t need to do anything but walk into the room and smiles break out all around.

I know how beneficial it is for Jonalyn to be around pets. She learns gentleness (not always her strong suit), and some responsibility. She speaks to the animals which helps her vocabulary. I’m glad we have both a dog and cat in the house.

Even for us, they are companions to me when the rest of my family is off at school and work. Their presence calms me when I’m upset or down in the dumps.

I admire all working dogs and their owners and trainers. Kylie, our black lab, is too shy around strangers to be a good therapy dog, but that is a trait I might look for in our next dog. Have you known or had contact with a therapy dog? I’d love to hear your story!