A heartwarming story of a therapy dog bringing joy to a hospice care facility

cjackson on June 22, 2023

A Heartwarming Story of a Therapy Dog Bringing Joy to a Hospice Care Facility

The Introduction of Ace

Ace, a 3-year-old Australian Shepherd from Durham, United States, had always been a charismatic and lively pup. His deep blue eyes and fluffy fur made him a favorite among the neighborhood. Ace loved nothing more than making people smile and spreading his infectious positive energy.

One day, Ace’s owner, a certified therapy dog handler, was approached by a hospice care facility to bring Ace in for visits. Ace’s owner explained that Ace loved to meet new people and could provide emotional support to those in need. Excited to put his special personality to good use, Ace and his owner began making weekly visits to the hospice care facility.

The Arrival at the Hospice Care Facility

Upon arriving at the hospice care facility, Ace was greeted by the staff and residents. Ace wagged his tail energetically while his owner put on his bright red therapy dog vest. The residents had been expecting Ace and were thrilled to meet him.

As Ace made his rounds through the facility, he stopped and visited with each resident. He would nuzzle his nose into their hands and lay his head on their laps. The residents would pet Ace’s soft fur and talk to him about their lives. Ace would listen intently, providing a calming presence amidst the emotions and stress of the hospice care facility.

Ace’s Dog Friends

Ace wasn’t the only therapy dog that visited the hospice care facility. There were two other therapy dogs that would come by every so often. The first was a Golden Retriever named Max. Max loved to play fetch and would often bring his toy ball to the residents.

The second therapy dog was a German Shepherd named Rocky. Rocky was a bit more reserved but was an excellent listener. He would sit patiently while the residents shared their stories and would often rest his head on their lap.

Ace was always happy to see his fellow therapy dogs, and they would often play together in the hospice care facility’s gardens.

Ace’s Encounter with a Foe

Not all of Ace’s dog encounters were friendly. One day, while Ace was playing in the gardens, he came across a stray dog. The stray was a Pit Bull mix and was barking aggressively at Ace. Ace remained calm and didn’t bark back. Instead, he slowly walked towards the stray dog and sat down.

The stray dog stopped barking and took a few tentative steps towards Ace. Ace stayed still, and the stray dog slowly approached him. When the stray dog was close enough, Ace nuzzled his nose into the stray dog’s nose. The stray dog relaxed, and they sat there for a few moments before the stray dog wandered off.

The staff of the hospice care facility was amazed at how Ace had managed to calm down the stray dog. They understood that Ace had a special gift of bringing comfort to not just humans but to other animals as well.

The Conclusion

Ace continued to make weekly visits to the hospice care facility, bringing joy and comfort to all that met him. His playful personality, calming presence, and ability to connect with all creatures, made him a beloved figure in the facility.

The residents of the hospice care facility would often talk about Ace long after his visits. They would smile as they remembered the fluffy Australian Shepherd who had brought so much joy into their lives.