When I was six years old, my sister developed a chronic infection in her lungs that led to a prolonged hospitalization. During her year in the hospital, one of the brightest moments was when we smuggled our family’s cocker spaniel (aptly named “Angel”) into her room. Holding her dog, even if just for a little while, brought my sister relief and joy.
The lesson I learned form this?
Never underestimate the power of dogs.
Pet therapy does a world of good for people in pain, and organizations like Community Hospice & Palliative Care here in northeast Florida use it on a regular basis. There’s something about interacting with a kind, gentle, furry animal (typically a dog) that just puts people at ease. Dogs go through extensive training to be therapy animals, learning how to remain still and calm so that they can interact properly with people in distress. While I doubt I’ll get her officially licensed as a therapy dog, the newest addition to the Bar Chaplain team fulfills exactly that role.
Jessi and I visited the Jacksonville Humane Society on my birthday, and as we walked from pen to pen, there was one dog who was more excited to see us than any other. We’re not sure what breed she is, and she may contain everything from collie to shepherd to plott hound, but what matters is how friendly she is. Tail wagging, mouth open wide in a grin— she established herself as our dog immediately, and with her coloration, we arrived at her name just as quickly: Cowbell. Our friends and neighbors have all loved her so far, and as friendly as she is, we’re pretty sure she loves them too. She’s five years old, already housebroken, and beyond her chewing phase, so she’s pretty much the perfect dog to hang out with me at home or in a bar.
We don’t know what Cowbell’s life was like in the five years before Jessi and I came around. Looking at her ears, we think that a previous owner cut them to make her look like a pit bull, and based on how dirty she was, she must have been wandering around outside for some time. We’re also treating her for heartworms, which has slowed her down significantly, but it hasn’t reduced her sweetness. I’m amazed at how gentle and loving she is after that sort of abuse and neglect, yet here she is. She’s our dog, a companion and friend.
With our goal being a spiritual presence in the bar scene, Cowbell is going to be a big help. Some of our churches are dog-friendly; as are many of Jacksonville’s bars (particularly the microbreweries like Bold City and Aardwolf). Once she’s fully settled in and back to full health, she’ll be a welcome presence in those places. In addition to being a natural conversation starter, she’s also shown that she’s capable of great care for others– a total cuddle-bug. People sitting on barstools may get some comfort from just sitting with her and petting her, so official therapy dog or not, she’ll be providing comfort to many.
