The Power of the Dog

On a recent visit to a local nursing home (my husband volunteers his time singing with a hospice group) I witnessed an amazing interaction with a dog. One of the singing group members rescued her mixed breed dog a couple of years ago as a ‘project’ while her husband was battling a life ending disease. Sue is patient beyond words, and she needed that patience in working with Levi - he was skittish to the point of neurosis. But Sue persisted and within a short period of time Levi began to trust her, but only her. Anyone who came near him was met with extreme fear and he scuttled as far away as possible. Whatever had happened to this poor pooch was traumatic, for sure. In his short life he must have met with unusually harsh treatment and abuse. How someone can do that is beyond understanding. A dog will often stay loyal even to the brute that abuses him; much like abused children who remain loyal to parents who shatter their innocence with violence.

On that early spring Vermont day as I sat in the back, watching the singers and the many patients who were brought into the light filled meeting room, I noticed Levi - as usual - stuck to Sue’s side and moving quickly as anyone breached his space. But then something unusual happened, a woman with both Parkinson’s and dementia was helped to a seat in front of the group of singers. She looked helpless and, frankly, a little frightened to have been thrust into a situation that she clearly wasn’t sure about. And then it happened: in the middle of the group’s presentation of “I’ll fly away” Levi stood up and peered at the woman, intently. And then he slowly walked over and sat at her feet with his leash behind him. She looked down and then tried to extend her arm to pet him, but her hand was shaking and she had trouble landing on her mark. Levi stood and gently put his head on her lap, allowing her to easily pet his head. He stayed by her side for the entire performance. Occasionally sitting at her feet but rising when she moved for a touch.

After the performance I asked about the patient. She was a Middlebury graduate who had spent her life in education. A dedicated wife, mother and community member who was now locked in a solitary world of isolation. Her husband visited often but rarely had recognition from his beloved wife. And yet here was Levi, who did not know this woman but sensed something and acted upon it. It was an act of love and compassion that dogs (and other animals, of course) do so often.

Our granddaughter has wanted a dog for years, and - finally - had her wish granted when she received her golden doodle puppy, Rocky. The joy this dog has brought to the entire family is amazing, and confirms the power of a dog to change lives for the better - making us slow down a little and enjoy the simplest of pleasures.