September 21st was World Gratitude Day. Normally that would have led me to make a list of all of the things that I’m grateful for like my family, the mountains, and the dogs.
ELBEE Not necessarily in that order.
Instead, I found myself thinking about a few very special and personal encounters I’ve had lately, all facilitated by the dogs.
At UCLA, I was visiting the adult neuropsych unit with Stanley. As we were leaving, a young woman who had been in the group, quietly told me that the last time I was there, she’d sobbed after we’d left because the dog, I believe it was Gus, had such a deep impact on her. She eventually ended up getting an emotional support dog that has completely changed her life. It’s true she was back in the hospital, but knowing her dog was waiting at home was making her fight harder to get better.
Walking Henry in the 
neighborhood, I ran into a woman, a total Dood lover, whom I’ve known casually for years. As Henry leaned against her and she rubbed his ears, she said, “I’m not sure if you know this, but when my son was younger, he had major drug issues.” She continued that he’d been really struggling at a rehab center in Malibu when they began bringing in all sorts of therapy dogs. They changed everything for him. He told his mom that the dogs had truly helped in his recovery.
At the gym, I was talking to an extremely upbeat young man whom I’ve connected with thanks to our mutual love of dogs. We always share stories and photos. When he heard about Henry taking part in a suicide prevention conference, his demeanor suddenly changed.
He confided that several years ago, his thirteen year old cousin, the same age he was at the time, had committed suicide. I told him about my mother. We looked at each other and without saying another word knew that we each understood and cared.
I believe that the dogs provide a bridge that enables us to open up and relate to each other on a more profound level. I am deeply grateful to be a part of this, simply by sharing them with others.
