I sold a slightly longer version of this story last year.
The Therapist’s Apprentice
Today I worked as Dhory’s apprentice. Dhory is a sweet, young lady with an amazing gift for non-judgmental listening and the ability to caress an aching heart. These attributes serve her well; she is a therapist for the elderly. I met Dhory for the first time this morning when I picked her up, and we drove to the Hilltop Nursing Home in northeast San Antonio for a monthly session with the home’s residents. I was impressed with her inner calmness and focus on the job at hand, qualities rare in one so young.
After knocking on the door, the administrator greeted us and led us into a common area where patients were gathered for their monthly group-therapy session. I sort of felt like the rooster in the hen house, for all the patients were women, and most of them were half dozing or off in a world of their own. Dhory quickly took control; she greeted the women individually, assured them know everything was fine, and the session would be fun. She would occasionally look at me to make sure I was comfortable and following her lead. Some of the ladies barely acknowledged us while others were effusive in their attention.
Once the initial introductions were out of the way, Dhory began her real work. She started with the hard cases; the ones who seemed to have gotten lost in their own heads, who were barely responsive, those whose passion for life seem to be flickering in a strong breeze. Although her methods may be unorthodox, Dhory—as if by magic—could draw even the most severely afflicted patients out into the world by simply laying her head on their laps. You could actually see their eyes begin to focus and their minds engage as they reached out to touch Dhory. Watching this tactile interaction, I realized I had forgotten how much comfort a touch or embrace can be.
Once Dhory withdrew, some of the ladies would return to the place in their minds where they lived, but during the time she was at their sides, these old ladies transformed into the young women they once were, lavishing love on a sweet child.
Around the room Dhory went, eliciting smiles, giggles, hugs, and, in one case, tears. Everyone was moved in some way except, perhaps, Dhory. It was hard to tell what she was thinking, her calm, gentle, zen-like demeanor rarely changed.
During the ride back, my professional distance began slipping away. I was overcome with a desire to touch Dhory. Perhaps being with those old, infirm women had made me feel my finiteness more acutely, and I, too, needed comfort. I asked permission to stroke Dhory’s hair, and she didn’t object. We rode the rest of the way with my left hand on the steering wheel, my eyes on the road, and my right hand on the shiny black hair of the therapist.
When we arrived at the Animal Defense League compound, I took Dhory back to her kennel, kissed her on the head, and made a date for next month.
(c) 2007
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Written by Canadian_Bacon (98 comments posted) 21st May 2008 | Heh heh, very nice.
Not quite as bizarre as some of your other stuff, but maybe that's a good thing  |
Written by Emmuttmax (117 comments posted) 21st May 2008 | | Thanks C-B. The gist of the story is true. Dhory was a two-year-old black lab. She has since been adopted. I still do pet therapy, but I take Zipper, one of my dogs who is a certified therapy dog. |
Written by mia_ms_kim (915 comments posted) 21st May 2008 | I suspected it was a dog from the beginning. I think it's because I've seen a news item where a dog owner regularly took her dog to nursing homes and children's hospitals, and both the young and the old received so much comfort from the dog. Then I think the dog ran into some admin problem for being a dog and was no longer allowed in - hence being on the oz news 'cos the children and the elderly wanted her back.
A very touching story. We should tell more dog stories, they do so much service for human beings. I've heard of dogs that saved their masters' lives. Some of them seem to be more humane than humans.
Mia  |
Written by beatricelouise (205 comments posted) 21st May 2008 | | Nicely done, my American friend. I like your style. Concise, and not choppy. Emotionally good for the soul. |
Written by Nick (103 comments posted) 22nd May 2008 | Man I feel stupid - should of realised it was a dog - especially after all your Bob stories. Only just got it after the stroking of her hair.
This flowed very well except for the following:
"assured them know everything was fine"
Is it supposed to be: "assured them now, everything was fine"?
I'm not even sure that is correct - maybe best ignore me today - I think i was lobotomized over night!!
Keep up the good work
Nick |
Written by Phil (6435 comments posted) 26th May 2008 | Nice piece. Enjoyed, developed gently and smoothly.
I'm guessing, with your interests you're familiar with Thurber's Dogs. If not, I think you'd enjoy it.
Phil. |
Written by Emmuttmax (117 comments posted) 26th May 2008 | | Phil, I'm not familiar with Thurber's Dogs, but I will look it up. |
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