Bringing Joy

Each week she enters the building with smiles all around She’s come to bring them happiness and hope to abound Her large Newfoundland body sets many aback They wonder what her breed is, and if she might attack Her handler full of patience and love answers each question with care She assures them of their safety and encourages them to pet Joy’s hair Joy’s smiling face greets them fondly, and her loving nature puts them at ease She wears a welcoming dog harness that says, “Bringing Joy” and pet me as you please Soon their apprehensions all disappear Joy’s loving way, replaces their doubts and fears As they slowly let her into their hearts With each visit a friendship begins to start With everything and everyone there’s a building of trust But to start a new chapter turning the next page is a must With each knock on the door, the handler doesn’t know what to expect It’s her care and love for God that drives her to the next With her cheerful voice she says, “Would you like a visit from Joy?” Even though she knows that most of them will call her a boy Joy’s tremendous 130 pound frame gives them something to chat about She has a child like goofy way that gives them much laughter without a doubt Many of the same questions begin to unfold Each and every week the all the same answers are told Where did you come from? What’s her breed? What does she eat? What does she like to do? Does she shed? Where does she sleep? Is Joy hard to take care of? Does she ride in your car? Did you train her yourself? Does she like to play and bark? The handler answers each question as if it was the first Even though inside, she feels like her mind just might burst The are times of such happiness and some days that feel so bleak Joy’s has a persistent way with a nudge of her nose that makes them want to speak Soon the beloved seniors begin to share their struggles from day to day They speak of their loved ones, former pets, and how much they miss the ones who have passed away. The handler listens with care and says, “I’ll pray for you.” Here’s a picture of Joy and we’ll see you soon Week after week the admiration grows I see a hope emerging with each time that this therapy dog shows Some people say that dogs can’t speak But Joy’s loving message rings loud and clear each and every week “Keep on going, hoping, and smiling too!” “I’m Joy your therapy dog and I love you!”