Mabel’s Gift

Mabel is the quintessential therapy dog template. She has this uncanny ability to look right through people and into their souls. That quality is untrainable; it is innate. I have watched her work to make sure each person is seen and made to feel special. She truly inspires me to do the same thing for those around me.

I have listened to stories of dear friends and family members whose lives were saved by the mere presence of a dog. There is something about the human-animal bond that is lifesaving, whether figuratively or literally.
   
Therapy dogs do not provide a cure for depression, stress, or anxiety — but they do provide an important respite. Taking care of Mabel is what got me out of bed some days to let the sun shine on my face.

Connections

Being involved in therapy dog work has opened doors that I genuinely believe would have remained closed otherwise. Having a dog with me is like a conduit for connecting with people. My coworkers always ask me about Mabel or what obedience competition is coming up next. This opens a dialogue about what is going on in their lives, too.
   
There is something extra special on the days that Mabel comes to work with me. She has never met a stranger. I love that I must plan extra time to get from point A to point B because people stop us to chat everywhere on campus whether they know us or not.

Staff, faculty, and students stop by and visit with us. I get to hear about their lives, their dogs, their relative’s dogs, and how they want a dog just like Mabel. Hopefully, those that visit with us receive a calming break in their day by petting Mabel and chatting with me.

Mabel is well-loved off-campus, too. One of the ladies at church brought Milk Bones for her recently. She had been holding them in her purse for several weeks. This reminds me that as excited as Mabel and I are to visit with other people, they look forward to seeing us, too.

Humans are hardwired to connect with people but sometimes we are hesitant. Dogs break down barriers and bring out the vulnerable side of us. We want to share that part of ourselves anyway!

Always Learning

The great faculty and staff at the Ruth Lilly Medical Library have always made coming to work an amazing experience. And overseeing the therapy dog program has given me a greater purpose and increased confidence overall.

Dogs are something I know and love. I continue learning more about canine behavior and diverse ways to train. I love exploring ways dogs can help people and I have found that I am limited only by my imagination. 

Also, between training my dog, caring for my dog, visiting with my dog, scheduling visits with my dog, and teaching others to train their dogs, I have learned to place my focus somewhere other than myself. It has been an imperfect journey for sure. There are still days when I curl up in my bed with my dogs and turn on Netflix, but those days are fewer and farther between. I give myself grace on those days.

Support Along the Way

I continue to be inspired by my dear friend and trainer, Denise Whitfield. Denise was a pioneer long before therapy dog programs were as commonplace as they are today. My first golden retriever and I participated in the program that Denise designed at Methodist Hospital, the Pet-A-Pet program incepted in the ‘80s.

Denise continues to selflessly give of herself to support me and many others. She encourages us along our dog-related journeys. Whatever my goal has been, she has guided me to proceed with excellence.

Finding Hope for Tomorrow

The best part of my journey thus far is finding hope for tomorrow. During some of my darkest days, my dogs needed me. This is why I love therapy dog work so much — because I feel comforted by the presence of a dog. It gives both of us a job.
   
Between the therapy dog work and competitive obedience, my dogs love their jobs. It is my job to be the leader that they need so I can keep their skills sharp, and they, in turn, can fulfill their purpose. As I turn my focus from raising children to a new purpose for my life, I am beginning to see new opportunities emerging.
   
The other part of my journey that I adore is connecting with people. From my pet therapy cohorts to the people we visit on therapy days, to my obedience training companions, and even pet training clients, I am touched by the connections that I have made with people.
   
The cynicism that comes sometimes with life takes a back seat when connections are made. Humans are relational beings, and we need each other now more than ever. The dogs help tear down barriers and build bridges.

Encouragement for the Journey

I have been touched by several experiences that have honestly left me quite cynical, including depression, attempted suicide, mental illness, abandonment, addictions, anxiety, and emotional abuse. My therapist has helped me along my journey to learn healthier coping mechanisms. My dogs have saved my life in so many ways. That is why I continue doing therapy dog work and why I work to equip other teams to carry on the torch.
   
I want to encourage people that there is hope even when they feel like there is not any. You need one person who can encourage and support you along your path. Be brave enough to try something new. I was not exceptionally good at training dogs when I first began, but I stuck with it. I learned to be better. You can too. We all have our strengths, and it just takes time, a great mentor, a little courage, a willingness to learn, and a great support person.