He visited a hotel with his family. One member was in need of his services. The others simply loved him.
They weren't the only ones to love Clancy.
This sweet dog sat just on the other side of the barrier to the eating room and happily watched hotel guests walk by him.
He didn't leap up. Sniff anyone. Beg. Chase after anyone.
He simply laid there and happily watched the guests walk by.
Nearly every guest stopped to talk to Clancy. Some petted him. This surprised me because most service dog owners won't allow strangers to pet the dog. Consequently, the guests kept their visits with Clancy short.
As the families and businesspersons ate, or milled about, they all kept an eye on Clancy. They'd lean over the barrier and check on him. He never left his assigned post.
The owners told me Clancy was a therapy dog. One woman at the table had a cane and sat the entire time.
To me one of the most attractive characteristics about Clancy was his obedience. He didn't impose himself on anyone, overtly show enthusiasm, he just hung out and smiled, ready to do his next task.
Service dogs provide so much more than service to their owners. They are companions, listeners, and even respond appropriately to moods. They are kind to others without any expectation of receiving anything in return.
I think we could all learn so much from a service dog....don't you?
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