The Ultimate Gift
“I’ve always thought a hotel ought to offer optional small animals. I mean a cat to sleep on your bed at night, or a dog of some kind to act pleased when you come in. You ever notice how a hotel room feels so lifeless?” Anne Tyler, The Accidental Tourist
Ruby and Elmer are Golden Retrievers who earn their Kibble. Each Thursday, they put on their red and yellow uniforms and trot off to work. The two dogs visit rehabilitation hospitals and nursing homes for the elderly.
They inspired me; they taught me what people need most. In a Texas rehabilitation hospital, Ruby and Elmer sit in a large open circle and “work.” Ruby catches a hairbrush a woman in a wheel chair throws across the room. The dog trots back to the woman and returns it to her. Ruby sits next to the woman as she brushes the dog’s hair. Ruby licks her hand.
Elmer takes treats from a young man’s hand as the 22 year old painfully stretches his cast-encased arm to the dog. Tony was in a horrific car accident; many bones were broken. He is recuperating but he is still in great pain and barely able to move his body parts. As Elmer’s handler helps Tony give treats to Elmer, Tony laughs aloud.
In the nursing home, both Ruby and Elmer visit patients’ rooms. What do they do there? Mostly listen. Lay on patients’ laps. Cuddle on beds with the bedridden. Many residents had dogs when they were able to live in their homes. They talk of their beloved pets with Ruby and Elmer. They share their memories with the dogs’ handlers. They stroke the dogs tenderly. They smile at the dogs’ responses. The dogs give the ultimate gift to the elderly they visit. They listen with rapt attention to stories probably often told and perhaps tedious to other visitors. They listen with affection.
One man, whom the nurse says has never spoken since his family brought him to the “Home” suddenly, speaks aloud to Elmer. Why? The ultimate gift is the gift of listening.
Meditation for the Day
“You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, “My God, you’re right! I never would’ve thought of that!” Dave Barry, American comedian
Action for the Day
From now on, I’ll try to “dog listen” to others. Sometimes, another person needs a listener who doesn’t trot out their advice or interrupt them. Sometimes my friend just desperately needs a quiet caring nonjudgmental listener.
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