We are here for YOU

It's been a long time.  I have no excuses.  I haven't felt good about writing, so I haven't.  But I need to write again and I have to start somewhere.  I guess this is a good place to start.

Why do we do therapy dog work and crisis responses?  Personally, it elicits feelings and characteristics in me that nothing else can.  It brings me great peace and great joy and great sorrow.  When it becomes a chore, we reevaluate the entire situation and change what needs to be changed.  When it is a chore, it doesn't do anyone any good at all.

But the biggest reason we do therapy dog work and crisis responses is for those we serve.  We are here for them.  We want them to know that above all else, we are doing this because we want to do it for them.  "Why are you here?"  "We are here for YOU."  "But why?"  "For YOU."  "That's really cool."

If you are doing therapy dog work or crisis response with your dog and you are doing it for any reason other than for them, reconsider.  It is not about you or even your dog.  It's about those we serve.  Period.  Those we serve, their needs, their crises.  Be there for them.  Do it for them.