“As we muddle through the wreckage that’s half hope and half
despair, you stand by like an anchor, tail wagging in the air." ~ Sarah
Sypniewski “Paws Amidst Pain”
Clyde’s my name – therapy’s my
game. I help humans through grief and loss,
pain and suffering, fear and anxiety, sadness and depression. I have no formal training on the subject; to
be honest I can’t even speak English. I
have no therapy couch – my patients get treatment in hospitals, nursing homes,
schools, and disaster sites. I’m a
certified Therapy Dog.
Larry loves my visits to his nursing home. I’ve helped him overcome loneliness and boredom
by entertaining him with my antics. We’re
more than just loveable canines; the nurses think our visits are one of the best
types of therapy.
I’ll never forget Lacey, who fled her abusive home in the
middle of the night. Without the
comforts of home, she left with only a small suitcase and without her beloved
puppy. A comforting substitute, I laid
at the foot of her bed in the shelter until she found safe, restful sleep.
Sometimes the Red Cross calls me to work with their staff
and volunteers at disaster sites around the country. Their emergency workers labor tirelessly under
stressful situations, but even they need a little therapy once in a while. I provide “hugging time” for those who suffer
their own emotional strain in dealing with the devastation of others.
Hal for example, discovered the dead body of a small child
washed away in a Midwestern flood.
Dejected and forlorn, he sat trying to erase that memory from a mind
that wouldn’t let it go. I’m not exactly
sure how my magic works, but his face brightened as I approached. He reached out and stroked my fur as I gently
nuzzled his leg. “Thanks boy,” he said,
as warm tears ran down both cheeks; defenses broken by a non-threatening, tail-wagging
boxer.
For those who think I’m “just
a dog,” you probably “just don’t
understand.” You probably use words
like “just a friend” and “just a sunset” too. Dogs like me can’t heal somebody's wounds,
but we do make a difference if you follow our example:
If you’re breathing, that’s reason enough to be cheerful. Be yourself - it doesn't matter if you don't
fit in! Have fun, hug often, help
whenever you can. Accept everyone for
who they are. Make sure the people you
care about know it. And finally but most
important - Bark less . . . wag more!
Lord Jesus, Protect my friends, Your
creatures, who provide happiness and unbridled companionship. Help me bring joy to all humanity by diverting
attention from the worries of the day. ~ Love Clyde
