Love: The International Language

You never know when the opportunity to spread comfort and love will strike, even in the most unexpected places. Take it from me, Murphy, a golden retriever therapy dog with a heart as big as my wagging tail. One cold January night, as I eagerly awaited my turn during agility practice, little did I know that my evening was about to take an unexpected turn.

Amidst the usual hustle and bustle of Happy Tails Training Center, two beautiful young ladies from Japan entered, bringing with them an air of excitement and curiosity. Instantly, my attention shifted from agility obstacles to these newcomers. Despite the language barrier, I felt an undeniable urge to connect with them.

As a therapy dog, I've learned that actions speak louder than words. With a gentle nuzzle and a wag of my tail, I set out to make these visitors feel at home. Whether it was snuggling up to one of them who was feeling homesick or performing tricks to elicit giggles, I was determined to bridge the gap between our cultures.

That chilly winter evening, amidst the sound of laughter and the warmth of newfound friendships, I realized the power of love to transcend boundaries. As the Japanese exchange students lined up to pet me and my fur sister, their faces aglow with joy, I understood that love truly knows no bounds. 

But the magic didn't stop there. As I tackled the agility course, fueled by the cheers and applause of my new friends, I learned a valuable lesson: love is the universal language that unites us all. It doesn't matter where we come from or what language we speak; love speaks to the heart in a way that transcends borders and cultures.

That night, as we posed for a photo together, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share the language of love with these wonderful humans. And as I wagged my tail in contentment, I knew that my journey as an international ambassador of love had only just begun. 

Until next time, keep wagging your tails (or your metaphorical tails, for my non-doggy friends)!

Woofingly yours,

Murphy the Therapy Dog

A Pawsitive Visit: Murphy Spreads Sunshine and Supports Cindy in the Oncology Department

Let me tell you, my tail wags double-time when I get to wear my special red bandana that says "TDI Therapy Dog" on it. Today, I'm joining my human, Cindy, on a visit to the oncology department at the hospital. Cindy was diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma before Christmas, and while she's as tough as a chew toy, sometimes she needs a little extra sunshine in her day. That's where your friendly golden retriever comes in! Gundersen Health Care has cleared me to attend all visits with her. 

The hallways can seem long and quiet in the oncology department, but as soon as Cindy and I walk in, the mood brightens. People light up with smiles, their eyes widening when they see my wagging tail and goofy grin. Cindy always asks people if they like dogs (like who doesn't love us?) or if they have any allergies before we approach them. Today, we met a wonderful lady named Sarah, who was quietly reading a book in the waiting room. She seemed scared and she wore a scarf on her head. She let me give her some gentle paw pats, and I let her pet me. I could see a tear roll down her cheek. It wasn't a sad tear, though - it was one of those happy, relieved tears that makes my heart warm.

We also met Cindy's Oncology team and they seemed really nice and pawsitive about her outcome. Before I knew it, I was surround by a collage of M.A.s, Nurses, and Doctors in the hallway. It's amazing how a simple lick on the hand, a rub on the leg, or the stillness of allowing a pat on the back can make such a big difference in a human's day. Nobody even cared that I shed my golden fur on their scrubs. I might not understand the big words the doctors use, but I know how to offer love and support in my own furry way.

Cindy tells me that seeing the joy I bring to people helps her feel better too. It's a win-win situation! The good news is that we left knowing that she has a positive prognosis. We both get to spread a little sunshine and remind everyone that even on the toughest days, there's always room for a smile and some love.

Until next time, keep wagging your tails (or your metaphorical tails, for my non-doggy friends)!

Woofingly yours,

Murphy the Therapy Dog

Elevators, Ladders, and Overcoming Fears

It started out to be a normal visit with our friends at Eagle Crest North. We spent time with our favorite residents in memory care. I enjoyed roaming from one person to another soaking up attention, ear scratches, and pats on the back. It started off as a routine visit which is always joyful. Little did I know that Donna changed our routine by having us meet with a group of residents in the lobby of the third floor located right next to the elevators.

 

I am not fond of elevators. My mom knows that I avoid them at all costs, so we always take the stairways. For me, the elevator is an ominous metal box that stirs feelings of unease. The confined space and unpredictable movements with beeping sounds coming out of nowhere and doors that randomly open trigger anxiety in this gentle golden therapy dog. In a world where elevators symbolize progress and convenience, for me it is paralyzing. It just so happened that on this day, we were scheduled to meet our second group of people on third floor right next to the elevators. 

Along with the elevator monster present in the room, another challenge presented itself when maintenance men arrived, banging and climbing up ladders and pounding on the ceiling creating a cacophony of unfamiliar sounds. My instinct to be wary of the unknown kicked in, making me retreat into the safety of a corner (see photo). This experience mirrors the quest to conquer fears in human experiences. With the support of my mom and the comfort of those that I was there to comfort, I took small, courageous steps learning to associate the elevator with positive experiences. The maintenance men came down from their ladders to scratch my ears and pet my back transforming this source of fear into a gateway of possibilities.

Like me that day, all people encounter elevators-metaphorical or real-that challenge us. The maintenance men on ladders pounding on the ceiling represent the unexpected disruptions that life throws our way. It is the human connection, the support of friends and loved ones, that often serves as our anchor during these moments of fear. Triumph over our fears stands as a testament to the resilience within us all. When we confront our fears head-on with the transformative power of human (and dog) connection, we can emerge stronger on the other side. Overcoming fear is not just a journey, it's a celebration of the indomitable spirit within us.