Penny’s day often begins at a Hospice team meeting, where her soothing presence prompts smiles and invites cuddles from nurses, home health aides, social workers and other team members. Then she travels to several nursing homes in the San Luis Obispo county area, where residents have come to expect her. On the rare occasion when she misses a day of work, repeated concerns of “Where’s Penny?” must be answered before any other topic can be addressed.

Penny is often asked to sit in laps, lie in beds, or simply trot over to say hello. Cheered and charmed by her presence, patients and their families find that a visit with the doctor seems to take on a different air. Discussion about often somber issues can be pleasantly relieved by questions about Penny’s activities, the color of her daily scarf, and how much weight she has gained. In the field of geriatrics, where people are mourning the loss of their independence, their homes and often their pets, shifting focus to this little dog who always has time to share a caress or bring a smile provides a bright spot, a healing moment that can be revisited again and again.

Mark A. Ward, MD
Morro Bay, CA