There was a new little patient that made my day. She was a rescue dog of multiple lineages. So afraid. So very afraid. She was hiding and shaking as I entered the home. That broke my heart. I began talking with Mom about who she was, where she was from, filling out the paperwork that needed to be done. While Mom and I were doing that, the little girl and her house mates came over and sniffed my doctor bag, my purse, my coat and me. I was so careful to let her sniff without any overt response. Mom was worried that the dog would be unhandle-able, just because of the fear.
When it was finally time to perform my doctor tasks with her, the first thing I did was give her a hug and she wagged back. I showed her every piece of every item I was going to use. Part of the doctor tasks were performed while she was receiving another hug. Then, I scratched her ears and told her what a cutie she was and I went back to sit with Mom. She did not know anything had happened. While I sat with Mom, she came over and told me I could scratch her ears again if I wanted to. My tasks were complete and my new friend came to me when I asked her to come. I gave her a big hug and left.
I hope she’ll remember the hug and the fear will begin to fade. I hope.