Gus has a three-peat with the Lakers. No, he didn’t win a championship but he has worked with their organization on three separate occasions. At Halloween he met Brandon Ingram at Mattel Children’s Hospital. In April he charmed two of the Laker girls at an event for UCLA’s mobile stroke unit.
And this week may have been his biggest Laker moment yet. In recogntion of mental health awareness month and the Laker/UCLA partnership, Metta World Peace (formerly known as Ron Artest), met with students at the Geffen School of Medicine. Very open about his own issues and supportive of others who are struggling, he was there to discuss their daily stresses and challenges.
Since dogs are such an integral part of mental health and health in general, three of the People Animal Connection dogs, Gus, Elbee and a handsome Great Pyrenees mix named Finn, were also there to take part.
GUS The Lakers really seem to like me. I don’t understand why they’ve never asked me to try out. Is it because I can’t dunk?
ELBEE The poor little guy is clueless. It’s his ball handling skills.
We all headed to an outdoor patio where Metta earnestly chatted with the medical students about the pressures they were facing. He moved easily from group to group, asking questions, posing for photos. He even handed out some of Gus and Elbee’s trading cards.
The dogs did what they do best. They mingled with the crowd, making everyone relax and laugh. Well, Elbee did grab a bagel from someone but other than that he was quite the people pleaser.
ELBEE Bagels are my weakness. If you don’t want me to steal one, don’t wave it near my face
In case you were wondering, of course Elbee and Gus were purple and gold for the occasion. Would I pass up the opportunity!
After some extremely positive interactions with the students, we brought the dogs to a private room upstairs where Metta was going to do some filming. The people directing thought it would be a great idea to have the dogs sitting around him as he spoke. Finn and Elbee settled at his feet. Then, and I’m not quite sure how it happened, Gus landed in his lap.
ELBEE It was only my size and dignity that kept me from doing the same thing.
As he gave the interview, Metta gently started petting Gus. It was so natural and easy. For his part, Gus was so relaxed that he fell asleep. As I watched them together, I thought what could be a better endorsement of dog therapy. Without saying a word, they have the uncanny ability to put us in a comfortable place.
