Mark and Luke

Not far from my office is the office of a therapist, ‘Mark’. I’ve met Mark a number of times over the years. We are from the same denomination and know one another through clergy gatherings. Passing each other in the parking lot and on the stairs, we have both found it interesting that we ended up in the same building, same town (different denomination from our own).

Whenever Mark is between clients, he sometimes leaves his door open, and if I am passing by the door, he is always friendly. Today, I was caught off guard to be greeted by Luke, a tall, dark and beautiful dog that was in Mark’s office. Mark explained that Luke is a therapy dog. Hugging or touching are not within Mark’s boundary limits [his clients are mostly female]. I found it very fascinating to learn about Luke, the therapy dog, who fills that void and provides the touching function. Luke is well trained, lovable, affable, very ‘touch feely.’ He rubbed his head against my hip, nicely, but insistently, wanting to be petted.

I’ve read that peoples’ pets play a role in their overall well being . I’ve heard of using pets with the elderly at nursing homes. It just never occurred to me what an important part they can play in a person’s healing.

I guess the bottom line here is---whether touch comes from a beloved pet, or a beloved person, touch is essential to life.