Rudy, my therapy dog, has been working for the past eight years–since he was certified at age one. We’ve had a busy week so today is a recovery day. I’m cancelling what I can, he’s asleep now near my desk, and we’re enjoying a gorgeous New England fall day. It doesn’t seem difficult for Rudy to switch gears. If I said: “Do you want to go to work?” he’d jump up, run to the back door and be ready to get in the car. Or, if I say nothing, he sleeps, his feet slightly twitching as he dreams of chasing an animal he will never catch.
Here’s part of the magic of partnering with a dog or another animal. They have so much to teach us if we take the time, listen, and observe. And often, if I slow down, he makes me laugh. Rudy has a thing for pillows, so any chance he gets he gathers them up on the bed or couch and builds a nest. Then he plops down on top of them. If you’re having a bad day, give it a try!
