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Insight of a Therapy Dog


Cora's presence today at Mayo Chemo and Radiation Department was a challenging one.  A young man who is finishing up with his treatments was open about the battle he is fighting with his disease.  Cora sensed his weariness and lay at his feet as he petted her on the head.  He talked of another Caring Canine who also was there earlier in the week, that recognized his need for comfort and how glad he was that the dogs were there for him.  It's long been documented now how animals help people deal with pain, grief, anxiety and the need to touch and be accepted unconditionally.  Watching and seeing the interaction of a patient and a therapy dog is sometimes overwhelming.  As much as I think I know Cora, she continues to amaze me with her sensitive nature around strangers who are in need of some form of positive interaction.  It got me thinking how better the world would be if we all accepted one another as easily as an animal accepts us.  We have a lot to learn from God's creatures.

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