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About Pet Hug Fund™ |
Jade and Bill
Jade loves to be with anyone, and is so tolerant of any situation. During her career as a TOUCH therapy dog, she has visited tens of thousands of people and has loved every minute. Although, I am sure that Jade is happy to see everyone, one child particularly resonates in my mind.
Jade loves to visit children. She has a gentle face and a calm demeanor and children simply adore her. She will quietly sit or lay next to a child while being petted or having a brush run through her long, golden hair. Peter was one of the children that Jade would visit at a psychiatric hospital for children. The hospital is for children who have been abused sexually or are abusers themselves. Peter was this portly 13-year-old boy who, despite his emotional wounds, was always glad to meet new people and especially see Jade when she would visit. He looked forward to Jade and she always loved him back equally. At the end of every visit, Peter would tell me that this was the weekend he was going home to be with his family and he was always so excited. Unfortunately, we would always see him the next time we visited and the dream of going home was just that for Peter. One summer, however, Peter was finally allowed to go home.
I remember Jade and I continued our visits at the facility and in August of the same year, Peter was back. I was excited to see him, but knew that seeing him meant that things did not work out and probably, Peter, was wounded even more by his brief homecoming. I said to Peter it was great to see him and he immediately wrapped his chunky arms around Jade’s head and gave her a hug, not letting go for a couple of minutes. Jade eagerly lapped him on his ear many times and Peter had no choice but to smile. I asked Peter how his summer went with his family and his eyes immediately focused on the ground. He said it was awful. I asked why, since he was so excited about finally going home and being with his family. He said, “My whole family was mean to me.” “Really,” I replied. “Everyone?” Peter stated, “They all tried to hurt me the whole time I was home.” I was not sure what to say. Peter then added, “That is why I am so happy to see Jade. She is the only friend I have that does not try to hurt me. I love her so much.” Peter, still with his arms wrapped around Jade’s neck, then smiled. It was at that point that I knew how much Jade meant to Peter, and to the thousands of children and adults she visits. She provides a comfort on many levels and I am proud to share her with everyone she meets.