Please Note: The dog in the accompanying photograph is the subject of the story, but any persons shown are probably not those in the story.
When we go to the hospital, the patients don't always know how to react when we ask if they would like a visit with a therapy dog. Apprehensively, they agree or ask to see the dog first. So we walk in with Sal and Doc and the patients' reactions are that of laughter, awe, and intrigue. People are curious since they look so different from other dogs they've encountered before. They also laugh because they are so strange looking (with their long ears, short legs, and big paws). Sal and Doc work their magic with their sweet and gentle personalities. People end up falling in love with them. It's hard not to when they look at you with their soulful eyes.
These two are busy with other activities such as acting, field trials, scent work classes, and dog shows. But they love their work and look forward to putting on their vests. Sal and Doc get rewarded with hugs, kisses and ear rubs. And it makes it all the worthwhile for us when people tell us how we've made their day and thank us for taking the time to visit them.
