Lately, on social media, I’ve noticed lots of photos of beautiful sunsets, flowers and lovingly prepared food.
ELBEE She’d have to post a picture of a take out container.
I remember this happening early on in the pandemic when people were trying to
cheer each other up with some normalcy and positivity. Now, nearly two years later, with all of the divisiveness and uncertainly, we’re reaching out to each other once again. I’ve even started seeing some of the chalk art on the sidewalk that first appeared in the early days of COVID.
When I walk the dogs, it seems as if almost everyone stops just to say hello or to talk for a few minutes. I’m sure they’ve seen me with the dogs for so many years that there’s the comfort of familiarity. One man told me that I was a landmark in the neighborhood.
ELBEE Isn’t that an old building?
We have such a need to connect and Gus, Stanley and Henry are the bridge to that connection. A woman saw Henry from across the street and called out “I heard you got a new one.” She then ran over to meet him.
A man that I only know casually from the neighborhood was petting the dogs as he shared that his wife’s cancer had recurred. A workman with a U.S Army sticker on his truck hugged Henry as he told me that he had PTSD. These encounters would probably not have been the same before the world turned upside down.
We had a Zoom call this week, that thanks to the dogs, became another moment of connection. When we do virtual visits with the kids in neuropsych at UCLA there’s a lot of activity and interaction. I was a little nervous because one on one with a very ill patient is a different experience.
I was told that the patient loved animals and had requested a visit with one of the PAC dogs. He was very disappointed when told they weren’t allowed in the hospital right now, but agreed to a virtual visit.
Not sure if all three would be too much, I included Henry. As soon as I signed on and saw the smiles on the faces of the patient and his wife, I knew it had been the right decision. They laughed when I told them they were getting “three for the price of one.”
The conversation flowed comfortably as I introduced each dog. I told them about what they do and answered their questions. And yes, I showed them a few accessories.
ELBEE She couldn’t help herself.
As the patient tired and fell asleep, his wife and I chatted for a brief time before we said goodbye. I signed off, grateful that they had reached out.
