I have trained and used three different therapy dogs—Izzie (Lenore didn’t quite make it), Red, and now, Zinnia, one of the best of them all. She senses fear and unease and tends to it without a need for command and direction.
I always write about the Mansion but too often fail to take note of this incredibly loving and empathic creature. Great therapy dogs usually don’t need to be told what to do; they know what to do, and it is inside of them.
This post is dedicated to Zinnia, a dog of great heart and love. She does an awful lot of good in her world. Here are some photos that show her great instincts and heart.
(Above, someone has to walk Ed to the dining room; he needs clarification and guidance. Maria and I volunteered to do it when we were there. I taught Zinnia how to do that last week, and this week, I went right out with him and walked him right out into the cafeteria before scarfing up a few crumbs. She knew what to do and guided him all the way, something that was in her bones. I follow behind and see her nudging Art in the right direction if he wanders.)
Lili: The favorite dog meets the dog’s favorite aide at the Mansion. Zinnia makes powerful friends wherever she goes, and Lili comes to see Zinnia whenever we visit.
We saw a woman frightened and upset on the sofa, and I think she was considering moving into the mansion. Zinnia spotted her long before I did and came right over to greet her, kiss her on the chin, and then climb up on the sofa next to her. No commands or directions from me, Zinnia knew precisely what to do. She was an enormous help to this woman.
Zinnia’s presence on the couch seemed to work like magic. As she nestled closer to her new friend, a sense of calm and tranquility washed over her. It was a truly powerful sight. Zinnia, our beloved therapy dog, is a testament to the healing power of love and intuition.
Sharon, who is leaving the Mansion shortly, loves to meditate. She says Susan, who is new, meditates but doesn’t really like it. “I think it’s kind of silly,” she says. But she comes every week. And she says she comes to see Zinnia. It’s true. She laughs about it, which I love to see.
The Mansion is a place of great feeling and emotion. I’m always trying to catch it.
I had a beautiful white not quite a golden retreiver, Casey. Like Zinnia she instinctively knew who needed her and what they needed. She was much more attuned than I ever was. She was such a gift. I love your stories about Zinnia and all your other creature companions.
My Golden and I are part of Caring Canines of Southern Vermont. We go a few places. There is a particular Alzheimer patient that so looks forward to seeing her twice a month when we go, with another team, to our local food shelter and thrift store. It’s so rewarding to see the joy she brings to people. Thanks for sharing your stories about Zinnia. You inspired me to train my girl for this work and to get her certified for this work. She is usually tired after we have done a visit. Do you find Zinnia gets mentally tired too?
Nice to read that Ann thanks
I remember Jon mentioning how much it tires Zinnia when she does therapy.
She’s good for about 30 minutes, Red was good for 45..it is stressful work..