Lately, a few people have asked how much I get paid for bringing the dogs into the hospital. They’re pleasantly surprised when I tell them it’s all volunteer. There is truly no amount of money that could match the emotional rewards of watching the dogs in action. And their visits run the gamut from just fun to deeply moving. Last weekend Gus showed me both extremes.
Sunday, he was a charmer at Mattel Children’s Hospital Party on the Pier in Santa Monica. In a reserved area, guests could enjoy food, rides, entertainment and celebrity appearances.
As in years past, there was a booth for the People Animal Connection so that everyone could meet the dogs and Blue Moon, the miniature horse. I don’t know who was smiling and laughing more, the kids that came by or their parents. Gus, who has worked the event several times, seems to enjoy the people as much as they enjoy him.
He helped attract guests to the area by posing on a table like the total star that he is. He looked like a natural in the Barbie booth.
He also had a special reunion with the Dodger Mascot whom he’s met at other events. Despite the mascot’s huge size, Gus is so relaxed when they pose for photos. By the way, Henry met him once in the lobby of the hospital and couldn’t get away fast enough.
ELBEE I hate to nitpick but the Dodgers consider him a “performance character,” not a mascot. And did she really have to embarrass Henry again?
The day before the party, Gus shared a much quieter kind of joy. At the request of a very dear friend, I took him to visit a critically ill teenager. When we walked into her room, I could see how exhausted she was, but the sight of Gus brought happy tears to her eyes.
She smiled as soon as I placed Gus on her bed. For the next hour or so he stayed cuddled up next to her whether she was talking softly or dozing off. Several family members were with her and what struck me was how much comfort Gus was bringing to all of them too. There was such a feeling of peace and love in the room.
