A Really Good Day

murraysmom · 02-09-2013, 07:42 PM

The only activity Murray and I do anymore for pet therapy is our reading program at the local library. He’s almost 11 now and doesn’t get around too well, but he still likes to sit with the kids while they read to him.
Today a 6 year old boy came in with his mom. After he read to Murray we started talking about dogs. He noticed that Murray was old, and said that Ruger, the 11 year old lab he grew up with, was old too. He said sometimes Ruger’s back legs would go out to the side on slippery floors and he would fall. I told him that happened to Murray too , but that dogs don’t seem to mind when that happens and just get up and keep going. Then he said “ I think Ruger is going to die”- his mom was surprised that he seemed to be worried about this, and said, “No, Ruger isn’t sick, he’s just getting old.” I told him that my dog Molly lived to be 16, and that I thought Ruger and Murray both probably had a long way to go yet. His mom thanked me as they were leaving- she hadn’t realized he was worried about Ruger, and was happy that he talked about it.
So today was a good day.

3kbasset · 02-09-2013, 07:51 PM

indeed!!!

Barney'spal · 02-09-2013, 08:34 PM

What a sweet story...Murray must be such a wonderful dog to be able to do that....You did a great job in training him.

Jnfr · 02-09-2013, 08:41 PM

It is amazing (and wonderful) how dogs can prompt kids to talk. I think you had a wonderful response to that little boy worried about his dog.

Personally, I worry about Jake (he's 13) Even tho he has no signs of any problems or illness, just slower than he used to be (but heh, he is in his 80's so you have to cut him some slack). I realize that 13 is getting up there for a 65 lb dog (even tho he lives better than I do!)

when I die, I want to come back as one of MY dogs... they have a rough life

Orion · 02-12-2013, 10:25 PM

What a touching story. It is amazing what an impact dogs can make on people's lives. They speak a universal language.

Wworm · 02-13-2013, 01:50 AM

Wow, that's wonderful how you and Murray volunteer your time like this. So glad you had this experience today with this little boy

02-09-2013, 07:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
murraysmom Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: southcentral Pa. Posts: 2,292	A Really Good Day The only activity Murray and I do anymore for pet therapy is our reading program at the local library. He’s almost 11 now and doesn’t get around too well, but he still likes to sit with the kids while they read to him. Today a 6 year old boy came in with his mom. After he read to Murray we started talking about dogs. He noticed that Murray was old, and said that Ruger, the 11 year old lab he grew up with, was old too. He said sometimes Ruger’s back legs would go out to the side on slippery floors and he would fall. I told him that happened to Murray too , but that dogs don’t seem to mind when that happens and just get up and keep going. Then he said “ I think Ruger is going to die”- his mom was surprised that he seemed to be worried about this, and said, “No, Ruger isn’t sick, he’s just getting old.” I told him that my dog Molly lived to be 16, and that I thought Ruger and Murray both probably had a long way to go yet. His mom thanked me as they were leaving- she hadn’t realized he was worried about Ruger, and was happy that he talked about it. So today was a good day.

02-09-2013, 08:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
Barney'spal Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: northern michigan Posts: 1,151	What a sweet story...Murray must be such a wonderful dog to be able to do that....You did a great job in training him. __________________ Properly trained, a man can be a dog's best friend.

02-09-2013, 08:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
Jnfr Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Roanoke, VA Posts: 1,790	It is amazing (and wonderful) how dogs can prompt kids to talk. I think you had a wonderful response to that little boy worried about his dog. Personally, I worry about Jake (he's 13) Even tho he has no signs of any problems or illness, just slower than he used to be (but heh, he is in his 80's so you have to cut him some slack). I realize that 13 is getting up there for a 65 lb dog (even tho he lives better than I do!) when I die, I want to come back as one of MY dogs... they have a rough life __________________ Jnfr Sophie (ATB (1996-2010) Abby (ATB 2010 - 2012) Jake (2001 - ) Ellie (2012 - )

02-13-2013, 01:50 AM	#6 (permalink)
Wworm Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Left Coast Posts: 2,516	Wow, that's wonderful how you and Murray volunteer your time like this. So glad you had this experience today with this little boy __________________ see what the Worm is up to: http://bassetworm.blogspot.com/

02-09-2013, 07:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
3kbasset Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 765	indeed!!!

02-12-2013, 10:25 PM	#5 (permalink)
Orion Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tennessee Posts: 650	What a touching story. It is amazing what an impact dogs can make on people's lives. They speak a universal language.

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