Not All Ministers Walk on Two Legs

Not All Ministers Walk on Two Legs

By Sadie

(With Help from Mom)

In April 2000, my Mom went to the local Humane Society with her friend who wanted to “adopt a little boy”. My Mom was NOT going to get another dog. Amen. Ha, she saw me! I innocently mesmerized her with my big brown eyes. Success! We were soon on our way home. I had a new leash on life. My Mom didn’t know it then, but she also had a new leash on life! Mom used to “minister” as a clown, but had to stop due to health issues. Little did she know where we were being guided.

I pulled my Mom around the neighborhood for walks and took several tours by myself. Commands like “come”, “sit”, “stay”, “leave it”, where a foreign language to me. It was time for school. I really wanted to be a good companion, but didn’t know how. Mom could tell I loved people. She noticed I was gentle with older people, young children, and those with special needs. Two friends used chairs with wheels. I was immediately on my best behavior when we visited with them. Because Mom is a nurse and worked in a hospital with children with special needs, she was aware that therapy dogs came to visit. But she didn’t know how to get involved.

One day she just bumped her computer mouse and a list of “groups” in the Twin Cities popped up on the screen (she could never find the site again!) Mom called a nice lady and we got invited to a meeting. We met other therapy dogs and their humans. They talked about the fun people and places they visit. Mom & I were hooked. I passed my TDI/CGC test in April 2001.

We belong to a club called Pals on Paws. We are certified through Therapy Dogs International, Inc. We visit long-term care centers, hospitals, and anyone who needs a little love from a canine friend. We help other dogs become certified. My first TDI visit was at a Care Center for Franciscan Sisters. One Sister talked a lot about a dog she had as a child. She was blind and couldn’t see me. Mom helped her pet me. Sister asked questions about what I looked like. Usually she didn’t talk. Another Sister watched me. The Therapists said she hadn’t focused on anything for months. Later, I encouraged Mom’s Uncle to wheel his chair to follow us down the hall. He wouldn’t do it for the therapists or other family members. He did it for me! These types of experiences happened on many visits. Who needs words to communicate!

I helped my special friend; Zach overcome being afraid of dogs. He was born with spina bifida and has lots of medical problems. He wasn’t supposed to live. When he did, his parents were told he’d never be able to move. Again, not true. He smiles when his Mom helps him pet me. He’s not scared of me anymore. Zach is gaining upper body strength, balance, and arm control. Maybe he can follow me in his wheelchair soon! His parents want him to have a service dog when he gets older. I’m glad I can help!

I love my Pals on Paws visits and being with the other Pet Therapy Dogs. We like to make people smile. We even do square dancing at nursing homes. One lady said she’d “wear a smile all day because she got to pet the dogs”. Mom & I wore a smile all day too.

Mom believes God brought us together in a unique relationship to minister to others in a special way. She knows that NOT ALL MINISTERS WALK ON TWO LEGS! Just maybe there’s a special canine friend waiting for you at your local humane society.

Addendum: This article was written several years ago for my parish bulletin to introduce folks to doing Ministry with pets. Sadie and I also made a presentation to the Stephen Minister Class at our Parish.

Little Zach was taken home to Our Lord in 2005, but not before he had a canine friend who looked very much like Sadie. My dear Sadie left this earth on 7/31/08. She will be remembered by all who loved her sweet, caring disposition and nurturing ways.

I share this article, not for any type of sympathy in my loss of Sadie, but instead to make you aware of the special creatures God places in our lives. Are you and your dog, cat, or other pet called to the special ministry of Pet Therapy? It is food for thought and prayer.

Two Organizations that you may wish to contact are as follows:

Therapy Dogs International  

Delta Society