Feature Story

One Man and Two Dogs   

                                                           February, 2006
Page 2

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Molly (left), Kelly and Alan at Bridgeport Hospital.
Molly is a Certified Therapy dog and Kelly is in training. Alan uses his dog training and handling skills with both dogs.
Alan and Molly spiritually help patients!

 

 

In the back of my mind this just wasn't enough. I needed to give back (for all that I had been given). I thought about going to Divinity school. Last year, while I continued my geese herding business, I decided to test this notion and joined a Clinical Pastoral Education Interns Class at Bridgeport Hospital (a hospital chaplaincy program).  This was a personally rewarding year and at the end I continued to do an occasional overnight "on call" tour at the hospital. I had decided not to go to Divinity School.

Then it happened, a new dog came into my life. Riley, a kind and sweet Certified Therapy Dog and I became partners. Riley, a beautiful Wheaton Terrier belongs to the Director of the Clinical Pastoral Program at Bridgeport Hospital. Every Tuesday I am the Pet Chaplain at the Hospital. I have some remarkable stories about pet therapy. It is a wonderful and effective form of pastoral ministry. I now have the perfect balance in my working life. Molly is now a Certified Therapy dog an Kelly is in training?  Both dogs work outside with me. Work is great.