At the core, Red and Dot are similar, both are gentle and quiet. Their connection is also gentle and quiet, but also powerful. It is understated, no shouts, squeals, bars or exclamations. But it is so think you can see it and touch it.

There was a different feeling in cardiac rehab today, one of us is going into the hospital next week for surgery, I don’t feel comfortable saying what for, but I felt the change in the room when I walked in, there was hugging and quiet. Red visits Dot when she gets fitted for her heart monitor, as we all do. It is difficult and painful for her, but Red sits still while she leans over to pet him, or kiss him on the head.

I believe he gives her strength and comfort. After rehab, Dot is picked up by a special van and driven home, Red sits with  her by the door. At cardiac rehab, he sits on a stretch of carpet in the middle of the room, and each of the patients comes and pets him, talks to  him, hugs him when they come, when they leave, in between workouts on their machines. It was quiet today in rehab, we thought of our friend and wished her well next week. I did 25 minutes on the treadmill today at level 10, my highest. I am getting stronger, surer.

Red sat on the carpet watching me, he has become a part of cardiac rehab, a quiet presence, he fills the room with love and connection. This is what Karen Thompson saw in Red and could not provide for him, this is why she sent him to me, this is the commitment I am proud to honor.

When I signed up for cardiac rehab, I told Maria I would only go for two or three times, but I will see it through to the end. On a day like today, Red once again showed the power of an animal to heal us and touch our hearts.