One of my favorite therapy visits Oakley and I did was
my second therapy visit ever. I wasn’t sure what to
expect. This visit occurred just as places were starting
to allow visits post-COVID. We went to the offices of
Child Protective Services to visit with the staff. Once in
the meeting room, I mentioned to one of the child
advocates that as we came in, several people in the
waiting room seemed to be interested in the dogs.
However, I wasn’t sure if it was appropriate to interact
with them (I was new to Fidos and didn’t want to do
anything wrong). She replied, “Oh, of course! Those
people need a break from their troubles more than
anyone!” As we left, I asked the people in the waiting
room if anyone wanted to say ‘Hi’ to Oakley.

We made our way around the room, stopping briefly at
each person until I came to the last. He was a big guy, not smiling, arms crossed. I asked if he wanted
to pet Oakley, and he gave a brief nod, so we approached. When he petted her, she put her paw on
his knee, and I exclaimed, “Oh, she only does that when she really likes someone!” His face
transformed into a big smile. The gentleman said, “Dogs always like me,” as he hugged Oakley. I
don’t know what he was going through that day, but I do know we made it just a bit brighter, and I
learned to go into every visit with an open mind. You never know who needs to be seen or receive a
kiss from a non-judging animal.