I saw a lady in the store last weekend, and she was wearing a shirt with a very cute dog picture on the front. Come to find out, her dog had just graduated from Therapy Dog Training. I think I scared the poor woman with my robust reaction. (I did ask her if I could hug her before embracing her!)
When I was in the hospital, the therapy dogs brightened my spirits like I cannot even describe. There was 123 pound Leonberger, Rowan, and teeny-tiny Sugar, and spotted Dottie, and Sammy who kicked off the Let-Larry-on-the-Bed-Campaign, and many more. Thanks to all of you therapy dogs, and your “people.” You made me happy when I was very, very sick, and you still make me happy!
From Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery:
Dogs, dogs, and more dogs… my third round was Dog Round. Jaynie knew just how much I loved visits from the many therapy dogs, so with one quick phone call, I nearly had dogs lining up at my door. Echo, Scruffy, Carmel, Dottie, and Ralph all came to cheer me, with lolling tongues and wagging tails.
And then… there was Rowan. Rowan is Jaynie’s registered therapy dog, a 122 pound Leonberger, with just as much love as fur. Of course, Rowan not only had to be on the bed with me, but on top of me. Her giant tongue painted my face with a layer of slobber. Ah… I loved it.
She wore a bandana that read, “I didn’t ask to be a princess, but if the tiara fits…”
Her giant paws were as big as my feet and, in terms of pounds, Melinda + Melinda = Rowan. Her huge, gentle, compassionate eyes stared, not only into my eyes but, into my heart.
Dogs, dogs, and more dogs… my third round was Dog Round. Jaynie knew just how much I loved visits from the many therapy dogs, so with one quick phone call, I nearly had dogs lining up at my door. Echo, Scruffy, Carmel, Dottie, and Ralph all came to cheer me, with lolling tongues and wagging tails.
And then… there was Rowan. Rowan is Jaynie’s registered therapy dog, a 122 pound Leonberger, with just as much love as fur. Of course, Rowan not only had to be on the bed with me, but on top of me. Her giant tongue painted my face with a layer of slobber. Ah… I loved it.
She wore a bandana that read, “I didn’t ask to be a princess, but if the tiara fits…”
Her giant paws were as big as my feet and, in terms of pounds, Melinda + Melinda = Rowan. Her huge, gentle, compassionate eyes stared, not only into my eyes but, into my heart.
Melinda Marchiano 
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