Goldens ─ Behind Bars
 

     We have been "owned" by Goldens for over 9 years now. They never cease to amaze us. When our aging parents were in care facilities, we would take Becky and Peggy Sue to visit. Usually, these visits were in the "commons" area of the "Assisted Living" facility. Generally, there were 15-25 folks awaiting the dogs visits. We began to see the magic these animals could work.
     As time went on and our parents passed away, we continued to visit the nursing homes and other facilities with our Golden Girls. It just felt right.
     Four years ago, we helped a breeder friend whelp and raise a litter of gorgeous "show puppies". Three weeks into raising these pups, one of them bonded to me. It was the beginning of a wonderful relationship, that grows stronger every day. His name is Earnie. He's a big blonde boy with a great temperament. A true tennis ball addict.
     Earnie was raised with our grandkids around him a lot. Early on we saw his natural ability with children. They gravitated to him—and it's a mutual thing. By the time Earnie was two years old, he began doing visitations to schools, libraries, day camps—anywhere there were children. We were, and are to this day working through the SW Washington Humane Society, in their "Pet Facilitated Therapy" program. All three dogs certified through this agency, later they would all get their TDI certifications.
     By far, the work with children has been the most fun and rewarding of our many activities with the dogs. The girls, Becky and Peggy Sue continue to visit local nursing homes and foster care facilities. Becky has been featured on two occasions in the local newspaper for her Nursing Home visits. They referred to her as a "Canine Counselor"!
     Earnie in the meantime has become a favorite of the Humane Society when children are concerned. He works the "Educational Outreach" programs, teaching bite prevention and pet owner responsibilities to young children. It is, in a word—a hoot!
     Several months ago we were approached by the Juvenile Jail, and asked if we could bring Earnie in to do one-on-one "visits" with the Juvenile Inmates. At first I admit to reticence. The thought of being locked behind bars with young criminals was a bit frightening. My wife Michael, having worked with kids for the last 30 years or so convinced me we should try it. It has become one of our favorite "Therapy" opportunities, and Earnie absolutely loves his work.
     To date, we have had one bad experience out of about 30 kids. A borderline retarded girl who was all muscle and about 200 pounds got Earnie in a bear hug most wrestlers would have envied. When Michael tried to get a bit stern with her, she got angry. For a moment I thought she would swing. Time to act. I stepped in and pried Earnie away from her. I asked her to sit on the floor, and I would sit with she and Earnie. It worked. For the next 15 minutes she alternately kissed and hugged the boy, this time with a bit less fervor! Later we were to learn she had 8 counts of assault and battery against her, all on her mom and grandma. She did not like or trust women. The Officers admitted she needed mental health care. However, most of the visits have been positive! Read on, if you find this entertaining!
     Sunday afternoon. Time for our weekly visit to the Juvenile Jail. As we exit the car across the street from this Institutional appearing building, Earnie is psyched up. Most of his obedience training goes down the dumper as he hauls me toward the jail. Michael, my wonderful wife is carrying Earnie's "Jail Bag" containing his beloved tennis balls, slobber towels, and stuffed toys. Michael "buzzes" us in. Earnie is watching that cold steel door, ears up, tail wagging in anticipation. The Deputy opens the door. Earnie charges down the hallway, heading for the "interrogation rooms" where he meets his "clients", as the Officers refer to them. He nearly bowls over a couple of inmates mopping the halls. He gets a few pets from them. Shameless, this Golden boy.
     As we enter the interrogation room our first "client" is waiting. She sits on the floor, back against the wall—looking forlorn. Earnie runs up to her, tail wagging like mad. She pets the boy. Her story unfolds. She is not yet 18. She's in "protective custody". She has a 21 month old daughter. She misses her child terribly. She desperately needs a hug. Earnie senses this, somehow. He sits next to her. Her arm goes around his big shoulders. He leans into her, slides into her lap. They remain in this position for over an hour. She is smiling. Earnie is content.
     For most of an hour we are simply listeners. She needs to talk, to release some of the hurt she's harboring. As she talks to us, she constantly strokes the boy. He is really in tune with this young woman. She is getting the unconditional love that only a dog can deliver. Earnie doesn't care what she did, or why she's in here. He just senses a gentle soul—one in pain. She wishes her daughter could meet this "wonderful dog". We tell her he will be "working" at the County Fair for the Humane Society two afternoons in a couple of weeks. She says she will bring her daughter. We expect to see her.
     Time's up, Deputy announces. She leaves the room covered in Golden hair—and sporting a broad smile. The boy has worked his magic.
     Next "client"—we need no introduction. From this human compost heap emerges a rose amongst thorns. We met last week. He was suspicious of our "agenda" at that time. Why are these old busy-bodies here in this jail? Don't they have better things to do? This week, he knew we had no "agenda". We were simply there to share this Golden boy with him.
     "Earnie!" The boy exclaimed excitedly. I cannot divulge his name. We do not know the nature of his crime. He is 10 years old. He sports the vocabulary of a high school graduate. This charming young man possesses the poise and demeanor of a newscast anchor man. He weighs about the same as Earnie. Perhaps 80 pounds, soaking wet. He is clean cut, and polite. A cute kid.
     For the next hour, he and Earnie "went away" together. The boys spirit transcended those green walls. He and Earnie played hide and seek—he would hide Earnie's tennis balls, not an easy thing to do in a room where the furniture is bolted down—nothing is loose.
     The boy has an amazing mind. He would tuck the balls under the stainless steel seats. He hung them from the door closer. Every time, Earnie would "find them." "Outsmarted by a dog!" He laughed. "But" he added, "this is a *smart* dog!" His joyous laughter filled the room—it was infectious. We laughed, too.
     Earnie tired a bit, laid on the floor. The boy lay next to him, using Earnie as a pillow. He faced Earnie on the floor, both of them in an embrace. He laid his cheek on Earnie's cheek. He told Earnie "I love you, boy." He kissed Earnie. Earnie kissed back. I cannot describe this moment except to say that this will be folded and tucked carefully into a safe place in our hearts. We will take this out and fondly remember this moment over the years. Already I have revisited this happy moment. It makes me smile.
     How we longed to be able to take this boy home—to offer him the same advantages we did our daughter. Again, the visit was over too soon. He left for his cell, taking dog hair and memories with him—and leaving some fond memories with us, also.
     As the Deputy opened the door for us to walk out into the summer sun—I asked him if they had noticed the interaction between Earnie and the boy. We are under constant surveillance on closed circuit TV. He smiled, nodded in the affirmative. He paused, nodded his head at Earnie and uttered one word—"amazing". Yes, it is. Plus, very fulfilling for Michael and I. Everyone wins. Truly Golden, these precious moments.