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Riptides aren't always dangerous ...

801 views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  MeadowCat 
#1 ·
... but they ALWAYS change the tides. I had no idea how much that truth would play out in my life when I agreed to let my teenage daughter get a Doberman. We knew nothing about the breed. The scattered research we did, only tapped the surface of what would become OUR Doberman. And I had no idea that my efforts to help my daughter feel less lonely when her brother went off to college would turn into a journey that would help me too.

Rip and I began to bond while waiting for my daughter during driver's education. Before that time, I chose to let her be his person. During those waits, we would walk together utilizing opportunities for socialization and training at a local park. Then he started going more places with me. Then he started coming to work with me one day a week. Then he met an elderly friend in a walker and I began to wonder about therapy work.

So we got his CGC. Then we started visiting the local nursing home where he made more friends. Then they asked us to come more often. That was September 2015, we now visit twice a month. Sometimes in costume, sometimes in fancy collars and we bring gifts for holidays. I'm not sure who has the most fun. When he's with me, he knows that the only time we turn left at the stop sign in town is to go see his friends and he gets excited pacing from window to window until we get to the parking lot. It makes me giggle every time! The best part is that when we are there, everyone is usually giggling about something silly before we leave. Most days they giggle about which one is NOT touching the butt. He knows which ones will and which ones won't scratch the butt and he is persistent about getting everyone on board (in the kindest way, of course.)

Some days we just visit the group in the lobby and talk. Other days when we take gifts, we visit the rooms to be sure everyone gets a gift. He has taken every visit like a champion and is always eager to see his favorites and meet new friends when he can.

I thought I was doing something good for them, but what I've learned is that I have probably received the most joy and healing in the process. He definitely changed the tide for me and from the growing size of his fan club at the home, I'm betting he changed it for them too.

This is his newest "outfit"
 
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#7 ·
You know we're in the Riptide fan club! (We even have the book! :D )
 
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