Gus did some remarkable therapy work today, he is evolving rapidly into a sensitive and intuitive therapy dog. When I first brought him to the Mansion, he would squirm restlessly, as all puppies might. He is beginning to sense the moods and needs of the people he is seeing, and I am rewarding him for paying attention to people with praise, body language and visualization.

Connie was in some pain today, and seemed weary and discouraged. I cannot talk about the details of her health, but it was a hard day for her. Gus crawled onto her lap and looked up at her for the longest time, and did not move for many minutes, an unusual behavior from any 12-week old puppy.

After four or five minutes, Gus closed his eyes and slept a bit. Connie held him, rocked him back and forth, I believe it was comforting and healing for her. But for the second or third time this morning, I saw the makings of a dog who can connect with people and uplift them, if just for a few minutes.

I will continue to work with him and encourage and support him in being calm, in settling down with people and on their laps and making eye contact with them. I am glad my instincts about him seem to be founded, he may bring great pleasure to me as well as others.