Quiet Testimonies - Gulemo

As a small town, Hebron embraces the concept of reaching out to
neighbors in need. Traditions such as the annual Hebron Lions Fair
are long standing hallmarks of this town. Visits to local nursing homes
with therapy dogs carries on that wonderful tradition.
Although the dogs have boundless energy, once they slip into the harnesses
which identify them as working dogs, they understand that it
is time to get to work. An immediate transformation brings about a
singular focus on their responsibilities of bringing comfort, affection
and love to complete strangers, one paw at a time.
Although the visits are often heart-wrenching, one evening this past
March, on the coldest of nights, two special moments occurred which
illuminate our reasons for returning to the facility each month.
The first moment occurred while the dogs were visiting one of the
large common rooms where most residents were sitting together on
comfortable couches. A frail woman sat in a corner of the room, lost
in her own world. She would occasionally look toward someone as if
to communicate, but only a repetitive cadence left her lips; over and
over she repeated the same undecipherable tones. Summer carefully
padded over to this woman. She slowly settled herself into a sitting
position while focusing purposefully on this gentle woman’s face.
Moments passed imperceptibly as the dear lady focused on the pair
of liquid brown eyes before her. Her repetitive cadence slowed to a
quiet silence …. I was entranced as I was privileged to witness her
spirit finding its way back to the surface. Unexpectedly she said in a
clear, youthful voice, “You … are… the… most… beautiful… dog”.
Reaching toward Summer, she rested her forehead softly on top of
Summer’s head and cradled the dog’s soft ears. For those few moments,
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pure sunshine infused the air. Then, the moment was gone. What
stirs this writer’s heart is that no matter how short it was, the moment
DID happen for this gentle lady.
The second extraordinary moment involved Molly, who is without
doubt the absolute apple of one elegant gentleman’s eye. As we approached
Joseph’s* room, Molly’s excitement level kicked into high
gear and she practically galloped down the hall. You see, Molly knew
that Joseph awaited his usual private audience with her and she was
eager to comply. When Molly entered his room, her quiet demeanor
was cast aside for puppy-like enthusiasm. Belly scratching, paw highfives
and messy dog kisses were the new focus in Joseph’s universe. For
their special time together, there was no sickness or loneliness in his
room while Molly ruled his heart. These are the moments that bring
Therapy Dog owners the greatest reward: the secret smiles and the
ethereal wisps of remembered joys.
Drawing on their instincts, the dogs know when the moments end and
it is time to head home. Their tails whisper on the walls on the way
out, reassuring the residents that they will be back. You see, Molly
and Summer are a team. Two dogs, two hearts, one goal: sharing a
glimpse of Heaven on Earth with those who are most in need.
*This fictitious name is used to protect the privacy of the patient;
Kathy/Chris Hendrickson are also certified handlers through Allan’s
Angels. For information on how a dog can become one of Allan’s
Angels pet therapists, go to: http://www.boltonvet.com/showpracfaq.
cfm?FAQID=3523&Private=1
Affi liated with Hebron Pharmacy
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Major Insurance Companies,
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Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - noon
103 Main Street, Hebron, CT 06248
Tel: 860 228-0606
The Hebronian June 2009 Page 23