This essay was written before this milestone became official. It is a glimpse into a journey we have been taking to spread his magic with others in need….
Chance is about to fulfill a destiny of becoming a certified social therapy dog. His sweetness, acceptance of all, not to mention his agility in navigating with two legs, had me realize after loving him a short time, we needed to share him with those in need. He is rounding the corner of the multi-layered process to complete the path to authenticating him in this way, and yesterday, I realized more than ever, he is destined to do this.
We visited a school in Reseda, CA, designated for those they define as “handicapable.” Most of the children we visited were in varying types of wheeled chairs, where their adept teachers moved them to new perspectives and in our case, a better opportunity to feel Chance’s fur or catch a glimpse of him if they were able to. Most could not speak and looking up was a challenge, however, the magic of touch, small fingers on Chance’s downy, red-like coat, made words seem burdensome. Unnecessary. Chance walked on his two legs before them, sat in his stroller so we could get close enough for them to sense him and stroke, if ever brief, and occasionally an utterance of something I hope was joy, was shared.
In the second classroom, two boys were laid out on small beanbag chairs to better serve their medical needs at that time, and at one point, Chance walked over to a boy named Steven, and laid down next to his feet, leaning on the bean bag. I was able to take Steven’s hand, not totally sure of his awareness of the situation, but encouraged to do so by his teacher, and gently placed his warm little fingers on Chance’s soft, wavy back fur. A big smile washed over his face. It was the very purpose, the why, and my heart, when I looked at both he and my darling little pup, whose eyes covey multitudes of emotions with a single stare, about leaped out of my body.
Alignment sneaks up sometimes, you nod and realize you thought a thing and then it happened, wished for an outcome and began to live through it. Other times, it takes your breath; quite literally as I wheeled Chance in his stroller, after our time spent with these lovable children, I had to calm my insides and yearned for a big breath. I didn’t realize I was holding it, but Chance proved to me, the big exhale was always going to come.