I can no longer imagine life without a camera, and there are very few moments of my life when I don’t have one with me. I was especially happy to capture the intense feeling of this moment, when Kristin Commeau of Therapy Dogs Of Vermont gave Red his bandanna and temporary badge – I sent a photo off to her today for the final one, which will come sometime in the next week or so.

Red, as always, entered into the moment as if he knew the script. I don’t like bandannas on my dogs, especially the working ones, but it’s important in hospitals and nursing homes so the staff can see who belongs and who doesn’t. I don’t want any Therapy Dog accessories either. Red doesn’t need a “Therapy Dog” vest I see everywhere and I have never quite grasped the bumper stickers I see every day that read “Caution: Therapy Dog On Board,” as if it’s okay to hit the car if just plain old children or human beings are in. I suppose people have their good reasons for wearing “Therapy Dog” caps, shirts and vests but I have a sneaking suspicion it isn’t always about the dog.

I spoke with the activities director of a Vermont Hospital today and there are plenty of vets in need of visits – young veterans just back from Iraq and Afghanistan and older ones from Vietnam and Korea, some from World War II as well. I’m going there next Tuesday to check out the hospital and meet some people and then, the following week, Red and I will begin work at the hospital and with veterans in some other settings.

The hospital is also eager to have photographs taken when the patients consist to it, I will be happy to take some and share them with you.