Sweet little smile

When Brownie and I arrived at the volunteer office today, people ran around greeting her.  I think the pet therapy teams have been dwindling.  She got belly rubs and baby voices before we visited one patient.  An ideal start for a day of work in Brownie's mind.

There is a nurse on the 6th floor who bakes dog treats.   Brownie loves those biscuits.  They are peanut butter flavored, and soft and crumbly. 

Normally when we visit the ICU, it is mostly for the family members.  Today there were several patients who wanted a visit.  The visits were short, the patients tired after a few minutes, but they were tired and smiling.  One little sniff from a dog's nose to the tips of fingers wrapped in a cast can make someone's day.  It's such a big payoff for the patients for so little effort on my and Brownie's part.  It's a big feel good to make someone's day.

I must be a big pollyanna because I do love helping people.  I love knowing that there are people who felt better, even if just for a few minutes, because I took the time. It isn't always the patients who express their appreciation verbally that make my day.  Sometimes a sweet little smile by someone sick and confused is a wonderful thing.