Stuffed Animals

Can you count each and every Bichon Frise in this picture?

OK – that’s a trick question. Can you count the ones that bark, run and go for walks?

Meet Sue Geller’s three Bichons – Star, Tess and Mazie. Star is a certified therapy dog at Baylor Hospital in Texas.

Here's what Sue said about a time she and Star were visiting the hospital:

There was a young man (20s) who began speaking to Star - "You're so pretty - you're so fluffy," etc. One of the nurses came over and said the young man had been there 2 weeks and that was the first time he had spoken.

I asked him if he would like Star to sit on the couch with him. He never looked at me - but looking at Star said "Star will you come sit by me, please?"

I lifted her onto the couch and she walked over, climbed onto his lap and curled up. Every nurse in the room had tears in their eyes.

We had only been doing the therapy visits for a month or so when this happened. It was the moment when it really hit me what a profound effect our babies can have.

Sue said she still gets goose bumps telling this story, and is honored to be Star’s partner.

I never cease to be amazed at the capacity animals have for touching the frightened, hurting places in our hearts. They don’t wear white coats, prescribe meds or require insurance, and yet their healing powers are beyond comprehension.

Have you ever experienced healing, hope or inspiration from an animal companion?

Chris