Saturday, November 5, 2011

Scarlet and Friends

Friends come in all shapes, forms, and sizes.  Whether people, animals, a good book, or a cup of coffee - a friend is ready available to offer solace in this crazy world.

Scarlet has made a ton of human friends over the years.  Whether in a therapy visit or on a daily walk, she is happy to greet all who come her way.  Last weekend when she accompanied mom and the kids to a Fall festival, she quickly became the belle of the ball.  Few people walked by her without asking to stroke her velvety fur.  Each time someone reached to pet her there was a smile across their face and for that brief moment joy in their heart.  She just has that effect on people which is why she makes the perfect therapy dog.
The Scarlet effect - random strangers who asked to greet her.

Scarlet is the perfect dog.  She is quick to respond to any verbal command or silent hand signal.  She walks effortlessly on a leash.  She is beautiful.  Her eyes speak comfort to the soul.  However, when it is time to "go to work", Scarlet's enthusiasm cannot be contained.

Our routine for a day out to visit is always the same:  she eats, does her business, and comes in to be brushed and sprayed with her special perfume.  Once that has been accomplished - she knows what her day holds!  She begins prancing - picking her front legs up higher and higher until it is time to leave.  The command is given to "load up" and she runs to wait at the van until the door is open and she is allowed inside.  When the ride is complete and we have arrived at our destination, patience is no longer her friend.  She pulls against the lead hard dragging Mom behind her in a hurry to visit with her friends.  She longs for the attention she will be given on these days and looks forward to each visit with each individual person.

This week Scarlet started back at our local elementary school where the children read to her.  Following her school visit, she made her rounds at a nursing home that we have just started volunteering at.  It's amazing the happiness her presence offers and the difference those few minutes make.

Scarlet enjoys being read to.. especially when it's a book about her buddy, Sugar.

Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times."  Scarlet perfects that and lives it daily.  May we all aspire to do as much.



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15 comments:

  1. I think that last picture says it all!

    Sam

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  2. Gosh Boon, how does your mom keep up with all she does. We think she is an earthly angel and are so glad we know her and all you wonderful goldens.

    Love ya
    Bert

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  3. OMD OMD.... I am in LOVE with that Last Picture.... they are all good butt that one is SPECIAL.

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  4. WOW, what a great life. And what a perfect exmple of Proverbs 17:17.
    Blessings,
    Goose

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  5. love the last picture, sweet
    Benny & Lily

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  6. Wonderful post about such a grand Golden.

    We are certain our Ellie would make a great therapy dog. (Her mother was a therapy dog.) Our Lucy? Nope, she is a little too high-strung. (Her parents both were champion show dogs; hence her "princess" mode.)

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  7. That picture with the student is just priceless. It is so wonderful to be able to make that difference.

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  8. What a wonderful calling Scarlett has! The face of the baby and the face of Scarlett with the student is just too priceless! It says it all!

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  9. Woof! Woof! Oh Scarlet was Golden Happy. Such a Golden thing to want attention. LOVE the photo ... hope the kids enjoyed My Furry Friend book. Lots of Golden LOVE to the LAVE Shack Gang. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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  10. Good work, Scarlet! (tho you make it look like it's not a job, but JUST fun:)

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  11. Wow! What an amazing dog she is. The work you are doing is not only incredible, but it makes the world a better place. Paws up to you :)
    Sending lotsaluv
    MAXMOM IN SA

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  12. We cannot wait to start doing therapy visits. : )

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  13. Scarlett sounds like the perfect therapy dog. Love the pictures.

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