Chapter 13- Meet Archie! - Illustrated

I have never been a great fan of keeping a pet.  My daughter has pleaded with me on several occasions for a dog but this is one of those rare requests that I have denied her.  Primarily because I have always taken my responsibilities very seriously and having a pet is indeed a responsibility.  I am seeing this close at hand when I visit my friend & neighbour Sally once a fortnight for some music therapy. Our adventure began when I asked Sally if she would not mind teaching me how to play a few of my favourite melodies on her piano, as I used to learn in my youth. I had hoped that this would help my coordination as well as confidence in reviving an old skill.  Sally kindly agreed and I am grateful to her for taking on such an impatient and undisciplined student and shall repay her in kind with some chess lessons one day.
Illustration #5 :  Archie-  A Dog - Not a Fox!






Little did I know that my visit to Sally would carry another bonus. On my very first day I had my toes licked clean by her daughter's  gorgeous puppy, Archie.  Now usually I would have run the other way from such close and intimate encounter with any animal but Archie is no ordinary dog.  He is warm, frolicsome  and has just a hint of mischief in his puppy brown eyes. 

After our first rather enthusiastic meeting, I think my novelty must have worn off and I am now tolerated as a regular visitor who is allowed to fondle and compliment him and borrow his mistress' attentions for a short while. Sally has definitely become a full-time puppy-mum while I am fortunate to be like a visiting grandparent who can hand back the baby at the end of my visit.

Meeting Archie, I can see how the concept of therapy dogs works bringing much needed company, loyalty, affection, warmth & laughter into the lives of patients in need.

There is one more story about Archie that I must share with you. During one of my early visits, Sally & I started our session with some  meditation and were surprised to find  a very excited and impatient Archie lying coiled in peaceful slumber on the other side of his baby-gate in the kitchen. It was as though he had tuned in to our vibes and surrendered to stillness and peace. I am glad that the benefits run both ways.

I am grateful to Sally & Eleanor for allowing me to share in the joy of Archie.