Friday Fun: Therapy Pets Make a Difference in LTC Settings
The popularization of the phrase is actually said to have come from an attorney, George Graham Vest. In 1870, Vest was in the courtroom representing a farmer who was suing for damages after his dog “Old Drum” was shot by a neighbor. Toward the closing of the trial, Mr. Vest said, “A man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.”
And later, the phrase shortened to “man’s best friend”. Vest won the case and also won its appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court. A statue of the dog stands in front of the Warrensburg, Missouri courthouse.
The author’s dog is an Old English Sheepdog, Hannah Bear. I can just imagine how popular she would be!
Here at Dickinson Law, my colleague Pam Knowlton has three experienced therapy dogs. Pam commented how the experience of working with her dogs in the nursing home also helps her:
“Nothing makes me feel better inside than spending a couple of hours at a nursing home where people who want to pet our dogs. It totally lightens up the entire atmosphere — for everyone.”
Of course, occasionally Pam’s critters have been known to go on vacation, especially at this time of the year when they sneak off to the beach for a little R & R. Be careful, Thelma Lou; too much time in the sun can cause wrinkles!