Have you been to a big hardware store lately? Do you have to take an antihistamine if you have fur allergies? In a 20 minute time frame I watched no less than 10 furry friends enter with their slightly less furry owners. Since it was 110 degrees, all of them plopped strait down to the cooler cement floor upon entering (the dogs that is). I was fascinated that the need for companionship extended to picking paint.

In the cancer centers, only support dogs were allowed (but aren’t they all?) Some centers encourage canine participation and at one cancer hospital we had people from the community bring their pets to visit patients for comfort. Whatever your thought, you see them everywhere now. When I spot Joe walking alone last week, I stop and query. He makes a sad face, too choked up to reply. His buddy for 15 years passed and his heart is broken. Saturday I spot Joe and his wife on a grassy area. A new puppy is in her arms. Their faces are bright, they giggle about the all -nighters, the effort for training, but with so much devotion and expectation, their hearts are full.

Over the years, these furry friends have rescued many patients, spouses, children and even united families. When you are bold enough to rescue them, they in turn heal you. It is a pure no judgement zone with immediate life long friendship. If you are a pet lover, you know this. What is delightful for me to witness, is just how much hope is placed on their tiny shoulders. Margorie says- I have to work at my health for little Bogey. Charles marvels how Chester climbs on his belly and comforts him after chemo. When Miguel passed after a long battle, his new pup Chico became the world to his wife.

When you choose to extend yourself to a pet, they unconditionally give back far and beyond expectations. They are worth every effort. Some elderly or even young patients deny themselves this amazing force. Do not fear having limited time. I encourage you to embrace the desire to nurture and you will be rewarded, perhaps even have a longer and healthier life. For years I see the quandry in patients. Thinking that they are too late to bring a new pet home, yet those that do manifest a spirit of joy for the unconditional love they receive. No one ever regrets opening their hearts and home. A little furry face may be waiting just for you. Have courage and you just may adopt hope.