Riker, my now ten year old Aussie, is a warm, loving, affectionate, but energetic soul. He visits an after school day care for kids in the foster system. They are usually psychologically wounded, don't always trust people, and often act out. But Riker loves them with abandon and they love him back.
One day when Riker and I arrived for a visit, the director met me in the parking lot and I though, "Uh oh." But she spoke to Riker - so I could hear, of course - "We have a new little girl for you to meet, Riker. She needs you." Grace (fake name) was a fetal alcohol baby, blind and deaf, although apparently quite bright. I was scared to death. Riker loves to give kisses and I was afraid he would try to slurp her and scare her. So I had a death grib on his ruff at the front of his neck while the director placed Grace's hand on Riker's coat. Grace laughed and at her laugh I must have relaxed because Riker turned around and slurped her a good one. Thankfully she continued to laugh.
Within five minutes, she had Riker's leash and they were wandering around the play ground, Riker walking quite calmly, turning every once in a while to give her kisses!
Sigh.
Another time, I'll share Riker's experiences with my Dad as my Dad was dying. But it's still too fresh right now.
Riker is my eighth therapy dog. Bashir, my 4 year old, doesn't like strangers to pet him so he doesn't do the therapy dog work. But Archer, my 1 year old, has just started therapy dog training and I think he's going to enjoy it.
I am the founder of Love on a Leash. You can see it at www.loveonaleash.org.
Liz
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