I never cease to be amazed by the talent and effectiveness of service/therapy animals. I still can’t believe how confidently guide dogs navigate city streets that are too overwhelming for many people. And the wide variety of successful therapy animals – from horses to birds – reminds me how powerful the healing abilities of pets can be.
While I have always admired professional service/therapy dogs, yesterday I realized that every pet is a service/therapy animal to some degree. Eko looks out for me in a number of ways on a daily basis.
Eko comforts me when I’m feeling down
I pick him up and he picks up my spirits
And when I’m sick, Eko has no qualms about keeping me company
The vast majority of pets will never be certified service/therapy animals, but that certainly doesn’t mean they don’t improve our mood, outlook and overall health. Pets don’t care if you’re sick and they don’t need an explanation when you’re feeling down. All they need is you. After yesterday’s events in Boston, all I needed was a hug and thankfully Eko was happy to oblige.
Yesterday’s tragedy also reminded me of one of my favorite quotations from Fred Rogers, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me. ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'”
Our thoughts are with the victims and the helpers.
Great post. Yes, pets, dogs, cats, etc., are amazing at making us feel better. Alex can assuage my anger very easy. Something no human being has ever been able to do. Are they amazing? Totally. My prayers are with all the people affected by the explosion in Boston.
I completely agree. Humans like to think we can love unconditionally, but I think that we’re really just trying to do our best imitation of the love that dogs give us every day!
You are so right. Dogs are amazing teachers and those of us that are lucky enough to share our lives with them are truly fortunate:)
Lovely post and you are so right about all pets being therapy animals. My little Bear was a comfort yesterday as we cuddled on the couch together watching the events in Boston unfold. Your photos always make me smile 🙂
Glad we could spread a few smiles on an otherwise gloomy day.
Nice! We are all therapists and therapy dogs I think. Good work, Eko
That was such a great post! I love the first picture, its so touching. My thoughts are in Boston today too.
Thanks, Easy. Lots of people are going to need hugs, luckily our pets are always ready to give them out.
What a great post! Your photo illustrations are fantastic especially that first one.
Cindy
Thanks! Eko takes good care of me.