What A Friend

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.

“READY TO GO VISIT?” Sandee asked Tesla.

Her two-year-old Golden retriever looked intently at her. A wagging tail, raised ears, and open mouth indicated Tesla was definitely ready. In fact, the more time Sandee spent with her sweet-natured dog, the more she believed Tesla had actually been born ready to work as a therapy dog. Even as a young puppy, the sandy-colored Golden had been unusually calm and even-tempered, crucial traits for a therapy dog.

Especially one like Tesla, who worked with advanced-stage Alzheimer’s patients.

Sandee led her dog into the multipurpose room, where a handful of residents were assembled. A couple sat together at a table, two women slumped down in their wheelchairs, and a man stood holding tightly to a walker. A few sets of eyes, bright with awareness, lit up as Tesla walked into the room.

She happily went to the outstretched hands beckoning her to come. If someone did not reach for her, Tesla would look at Sandee for guidance.

“Is it okay if my dog says hello to you?” Sandee would ask the resident. Rarely did anyone say no. And the moment they said yes, Tesla was at their side.

A bright-eyed woman at the table patted her knees and called, “Good doggie-doggie.” Tesla responded immediately. The woman smiled wide as she stroked Tesla’s long coat and giggled when Tesla gave her a paw to shake.

But then without any warning, the woman smacked Tesla on the nose and started screaming, “You’re being so mean to me! You’re a bad dog!”

Tesla cast a quick glance at Sandee—seeking instruction or reassurance. Quick to give both, Sandee knelt before her dog, rubbed her chest, told her she was a good girl, and then instructed her to stay by her side as the nursing staff gently led the weeping woman back to her room. Sandee offered a silent prayer for the woman, whose disease was clearly at an advanced stage.

Although Sandee was a little shaken, Tesla went right back to work, happily visiting every patient who beckoned her.

Week after week, Sandee and Tesla returned to the Alzheimer’s care floor, and week after week, Sandee watched her dog lavish everyone with affection, attention, and companionship. The incident with the confused woman had not fazed Tesla at all. The dog held no grudge. And she wasn’t the least bit wary of the other residents.

Several weeks later Sandee and Tesla were introduced to Maggie, a petite woman who had moved in just two days before. The director said that Maggie had neither spoken nor eaten since arriving. Sandee greeted Maggie, inviting her to pet Tesla.

The woman shook her head no.

Sandee smiled at the woman and then followed Tesla around the large room as she said hello to the other residents. After several minutes, Tesla made her way back to Maggie and sat quietly at her feet. At first Maggie seemed oblivious to the dog, whose front left paw rested against her foot. Over the next several minutes, Sandee watched as Maggie put her hand down and touched Tesla’s head. Then Maggie leaned over and kissed Tesla. Sandee fought back tears as Maggie began talking to Tesla—telling the dog about a pink dress she sewed for the big dance and how pretty Tesla would look in a pink collar.

Maggie’s entire countenance had changed. Her eyes looked brighter, her head was up, and much to Sandee’s surprise and delight, Maggie began to sing. The sounds of hymns from long ago filled the multipurpose room, as one by one more and more voices joined in—including Sandee’s, whose voice quavered with emotion.

As she sang the chorus to “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” she couldn’t help but stare at her dog. Her precious canine girl whose willingness to overlook an offense and meet people where they were had led to a powerful and sacred moment.

PAWS & PONDER . . .

What blessings might have been missed had Tesla allowed one negative experience to affect her treatment of the nursing care residents? Have you ever allowed one bad experience to keep you from possible blessings? What role does discernment play in forgiveness and reconciliation?

Paws & Pray

Father, oftentimes it is much easier for me to hold on to a grudge than it is to release it and forgive. You want me to forgive others, just as you have forgiven me. I cannot do this without you. Lord, make me willing to forgive those who have wronged me, and give me insight to understand their actions and discernment to know how to move forward. I know you will help me with each and every step.

Being wise is better than being strong; yes, knowledge is more important than strength.