Sweetie Sue's First Day as a Volunteer

Today we went to an assisted living facility where most residents were over the age of 80.  I thought it high time that Sweetie Sue bring some happiness into older folks' lives. 

We arrived at 3:00 in the afternoon and were greeted by the hospitality director.  She escorted us up to the third floor where we were greeted by a foyer-full of octogenarians who couldn't wait to see, pet, stroke, pat, touch and cuddle this 30 pound blond fur ball.

At first, Sweetie was so excited, all she could do was run around in a near-delirious state.  The seniors smiled, laughed and pointed at her as she whisked by them one-by-one.  Many reached out to touch her, hoping she would grace their laps or sides.  But Sweetie kept moving.
Finally, she started making friends. First, the lady in blue reached out and tossledSweetie's head. Next, the lady in white followed by the lady in green. Next, a group of men delighted in patting their laps in hopes Sweetie would jump up. That didn't happen, but she did manage to wrap herself around one gentleman's leg and peek out as I snapped her picture. 

By this time, she was feeling her oats and making new friends by the minute.  She quickly jumped up next to one lady who kept reaching out for her. Fast-friends, now, they cuddled and giggled and you could've sworn the lady was ten years old, again.  This display of good cheer and pure joy made me think how important a sense of connection with something, anything living and resonsive, is for good mental and physical health.  By stroking Sweetie's soft fur, a sensualawakening began to happen.  I could see it in their eyes, hear it in their laughter, feel it in the room---viscerally, like hot sun on wet skin. 

For the next hour, Sweetie romped and ran, dazzled and delighted, lept and loved each and every one of the senior citizens who came to see her as the activity of the day.  We were asked back and plan to make this a regular outing.  For there's not enough lovingkindness in the world.  And we can certainly add to the mix by sharing the good vibes and rich feelings we share with the folks at this and many other assisted living and senior centers around town.

When you have love in your life, it's important to share it.  With as many people as possible.  The good feelings I have and share with all of my pets recharge my emotional battery & make it possible for me to spread the good feelings around.      

May everyone be blessed with an abundance of love so they can plant their own gardens and sow seeds of kindness in every direction.