The Gift
Posted by Anne Corke on 2006-11-21. Filed under Monthly Feature
Christmas is upon us once more, the season of goodwill and joy, the season of giving. As therapy dog volunteers, we experience the joy of giving all year 'round as we visit our friends in the community. Giving is second nature to our dogs, and perhaps sometimes we take it for granted. But think about it for a moment. Here is a member of a completely different species who doesn't speak our language, who often doesn't understand our actions, but who, in spite of these obstacles, is able to reach across that interspecies barrier and give us unconditional love. Could you do the same if the roles were reversed? At Christmas, let's celebrate the wonderful gifts of our dogs, the love, the companionship, the devotion, which we are so lucky to be able to share with others through the therapy dog program. I think this quote from Cheryl Zuccaro says it all:
"It came to me that every time I lose a dog, they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be canine, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."
Merry Christmas to all, and may the New Year bring you peace, happiness and sloppy kisses!
Anne Corke, Website Administrator