pet connection

As I turned into the parking lot of the day care center where Riker and I have been visiting for several years, I could hear his whining increase in volume. Riker loves everyone – his goal in life is to share as much affection with the world as he can – but he really loves kids. A visit to this day care center is the highlight of his week.

As I parked the van, I could see the director walking towards us waving her hands to get my attention. This particular day care center is for kids facing challenges. Some are in the foster care system, some have severe health or emotional challenges, and some have behavioral issues. Riker is popular here with the staff and the kids, but the director doesn’t meet us in the parking lot.

As I leashed Riker and he jumped out of the van, the director said, “Liz, Riker, I’ve been waiting for you.”

As I greeted her, she continued, “We have a new student and we need Riker’s help.” Apparently the little girl we were going to see was abandoned by her mother shortly after birth; perhaps because the little girl, Gracie (her name changed for privacy), is blind and deaf. “Gracie is in a wonderful long term foster home and is getting a lot of therapy. Unfortunately she doesn’t accept change well and doesn’t trust easily.”

As I sighed, the director continued, “I’m hoping Riker will help Gracie relax and perhaps even smile. She’s been coming to us half days all week and I haven’t seen her smile yet. Nor will she move from her chair, play with the other kids, or play with any toys.”

I told the director, “I’m in over my head here. I have no idea how to handle this.”

As she patted my arm, she said, “Just get Riker close to her. I’ll help Gracie. Let’s see what Riker decides to do.”

As we approached, I saw a tiny, five year old girl. Her hair was in cornrows tipped with beads and tiny bells. Her complexion was dark and lovely. Her eyes were closed but she was swinging her feet under her chair so I knew she was awake.

The director approached Gracie and touched her arm. Gracie stopped swinging her feet and froze.

The director told me, “Bring Riker in close, across the front of her so I can put her hand on Riker’s back.” I did that while keeping a firm grip on the coat and skin on the front of Riker’s neck. He’s a kisser and I didn’t want him to frighten her.

The director placed one of Gracie’s hands on Riker’s back. Riker has a luxurious, thick, silky coat. Gracie pulled her hand out of the director’s and began stroking Riker’s coat. Soon both hands were feeling his coat, her fingers working through the thickness of it, and moving all over his back. She was leaning forward in her chair to reach him but still she was showing no facial expressions at all.

Still, her positive reactions must have caused me to relax my hold on Riker because his head swiveled around and he gave Gracie a big wet sloppy kiss across the face. I inhaled sharply and looked at the director, afraid that I had allowed Riker to spoil Gracie’s moment of discovery. But the director was laughing so hard she couldn’t speak and pointed at Gracie.

Gracie was wiping the sloppy kisses off her face but was smiling!  As Riker kissed her again, she began laughing out loud, rocking in her chair as she continued to touch Riker on his back, shoulders, and even his head.

After a few minutes, the director stopped laughing long enough to say, “That’s why I was waiting for Riker!”

Within an hour, Gracie had already walked around the playroom and with a staff member’s help, found her way to the restroom – with Riker by her side, of course. The the two of them went outside and we watched as Gracie explored the playground with Riker by her side. If he moved too far away and she felt alone, she called him back – not by name as she didn’t speak words at all – but by making a sound. He responded to the sound and pushed his nose under her hand.

Soon, a few other children (who had been coached as to how to act around Gracie) were allowed out on the playground. They approached Gracie and Riker, touching Gracie on the arm, petting Riker with her, and making Gracie feel special. Riker paid attention to each of them, too, of course.

Me? I was unnecessary. I was just Riker’s driver. But I also shed a few tears watching my dog do what he does best: making people feel loved and special.

Normally Riker and I visited this day care center once a week. However, we went to see Gracie on a daily basis for a little more than a week so she could settle in. Then we went back to our regular schedule. Gracie is going to face some challenges in her life but she does have people to care for her. Hopefully, Riker helped her in some small way and we’ll continue to visit her as long as we can.

Photo: Riker by Liz Palika

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