This weekend, Gus made a triumphant return to the California Science Center.
ELBEE Can you say hyperbole? He did a demonstration. And no, this is not sour grapes.
Yes, Gus, representing the People Animal Connection and Pet Partners, did his first demo at the Science Tail exhibit. At the Discovery Ball he was a meeter and greeter. Yesterday he was a teacher. Unlike the agility dogs, service dogs and fly ball dogs who put on active displays, Gus and his fellow therapy dogs are there to show people about unconditional love.
From the moment we walked into the lobby, the dog charged atmosphere was buzzing with happiness, fun and excitement. I ran into an amazing therapist whom Charley, Elbee and Gus had all worked with at UCLA Medical Center. She’d brought her dog loving daughters to the exhibit. As we chatted, so many people came up to say hello to Gus, calling him cloud, marshmallow and fluff ball.
Even a security guard came over to pet him. He shared how badly he wanted a dog but felt that with his busy schedule it would be like leaving his “son” alone all day. When I told him I respected his attitude and how much time I spent with my three dogs, he heartily approved and said “those are your three sons.”
ELBEE Wait until the daughters get a load of that one.
When it was time for our presentation, we were escorted upstairs to an enclosed area where a crowd was gathered around a fence.
ELBEE Sorry but that reminds me of the daughters again. When the oldest heard they’d be presenting in an enclosed area with people watching, she commented, “Oh, like the zoo.”
After we were introduced I spoke for a few minutes, mainly gearing my remarks and questions to the children in the group. It was interesting to see how few of the kids or their parents knew the difference between service dogs and therapy dogs. After briefly explaining what therapy dogs do, I shared a few stories that really seemed to resonate.
We all know that they were there to see Gus not to hear me, so next I let Gus perform. He was at the top of his game. Give the dog an audience and his inner diva takes over. He almost started going through his repertoire of tricks on his own.
The last part of our visit was the best. It truly spoke to the heart of what our dogs can do. The staff from the Science Center stood by the gate and let a few people in at a time to interact with Gus. Smiling parents came in to take pictures of their delighted children. One very happy grandma spent a few special moments with Gus.
Even knowing Gus’s temperament, I was impressed with how he handled it all. He was gentle. He was sweet. He rolled over for belly rubs. What impressed me even more was how patiently people waited. No one complained or walked away. When it was their turn to meet him and chat for a few moments, all I saw were more smiles. All I heard were kind words.
