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.
What a great post! Your photo illustrations are fantastic especially that first one.
Cindy
That was such a great post! I love the first picture, its so touching. My thoughts are in Boston today too.
Nice! We are all therapists and therapy dogs I think. Good work, Eko
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 🙂
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.
We totally agree that every pet is a therapy pet. Will if anyone should ever have doubts that there is such a thing as best buddies they should check out you and Eko. You two are encouraging to people and you blog is just amazing! Hugs and nose kisses Chancy and Mumsy
This is perfect. I was trying to decide what was appropriate for posting today in the wake of events yesterday. Certified, trained, or not, pets are always there when you need them; certainly a source of great comfort! And dog hugs are the best hugs 🙂
What a lovely post xx
Insightful and comforting post Will. God bless the families and helpers. Eko’s paw/arm around you and inquiring face is a gem of a photo! I greet Taylor with a “Good to see you, Girl!” & she’s started handing me her paw for a hello shake. No command- it’s her own thing… Yes, every pet is a therapy dog & they seem to know just what you need, too 🙂
Yes, we do turn to our pets for comfort and you illustrated it perfectly!
Hooray for service dogs and dogs that do a service for their owners! My dog helps me get through the day, and I help him get through his:)
Our thoughts exactly!
Studies show that people with Pets live healthier lives too! Win Win!
Aww that is soo true! Kirby is always a great “therapy dog” for me I don’t know what I would do without him! Love the the picture with you giving him a frontwards piggy-back ride! XD
Good post. Eko is such a caring dog – totally love the first pic 😉
Great post and message Will, the photos are awesome!
Great post! If you ever make it to Wi, I would love my dog to meet your bud! I adopted Dexter a year and a half ago at age 9- him, not me:) Love him so much that I wrote a book about him- made him deaf in the book. Che k it out. http://Www.2foreverfriends.com. All pets are therapy dogs, for sure!
This is a great post, Will! Taylor helped me through the loss of my Grandpa as well as through the many times I grieve for Hopper, my first dog. As you stated, dogs have a keen sense that helps them detect when something is just not right with their mommies or daddies. Have you noticed that some humans don’t have this ability? Wow..that sounds harsh, but it’s so true!