Dog Days of Summer, Part II

It's summer again and the pups are up to their usual tricks. This time, we're in a new place. A small but quaint apartment building . . . we are missing the fenced yard so we must go out together 3 or 4 times a day! Halpert & CharLee's energy and personalities have not, however, been leashed. In fact, they were about to surprise me, once again!

It was following a visit from Erin, Paloma and another young friend, that another summer adventure began. Two young neighbor boys joined the kids, pups and I out in the courtyard for some ice cream. Brothers, 12 year old Ryan and 10 year old Sammy gave Halpert & CharLee that kind of unconditional attention they crave, but I could tell the boys were having just as much fun! They found great delight out of being able to make the dogs sit, jump or catch for a small treat! Soon the tails were wagging, bellies were full and nightfall descended, ending the fun.

The next day, the pups and I headed out on an afternoon walk. Across the street from the house, Halpert started lagging behind, causing me to have to pull him on his leash a bit. He seemed reluctant to continue and soon began whimpering and looking back toward the house. I decided to let him lead me instead of pulling him along. He had never done this before. He led me back to the apartment building, through the courtyard, straight to our neighbor's door! Sammy & Ryan saw them and exclaimed, "It's Halpert & CharLee at the door!" as they put down their video games and came out to greet them! Their mother, Rosalinda came out as well. She smiled and laughed when I told her that I followed my dog to her doorstep. "He wants to see his friends", she said.

"It doesn't surprise me", I responded, "they really like kids!" The boys offered to watch Halpert so that CharLee and I could finish the much needed walk and it was all I could do to pull them (the dogs) away again.

So, The Dog Days of Summer, 2011 were on! Just as in the previous year, we visited, played ball, walked and shared many stories of our lives. I was so surprised that Ryan and Sammy were willing to put down their video games, RC cars, bikes, basketballs, and skateboards to play with me & my dogs! What cool kids! Soon, neighbors were no longer strangers, again all due to my playful pups! As though they sensed a playfulness and openness in their human counterparts, they paved the way for true connection. Afterall, Sammy, Ryan and their parents were new to America after leaving their homeland of Malaysia about a year ago. The boys also told me about their dog, Bo-Bo that they, regretfully, had to leave behind. Halpert & CharLee made it safe for them to revisit these sad memories but experience them in a positive way, which is a wonderful step towards healing!

I really think that my dogs are healers. Perhaps next summer we will go forward with thoughts I have often entertained about getting them certified Pet Assisted Therapists. They could join me in my work. I have been a Mental Health Therapist for the past 11 years and never really settled on a specialty. This could all change, again due to my playful pups!