If one dog brings happiness then two must deliver double joy, right? Not always. But it's hard to beat the fun one man can have with father-son Goldendoodles.
We all know the saying about dogs as best friends. Why?
Years ago I stood with Alive Hospice caregivers as they freed single balloons into the morning sky in honor of each patient that had died the past month. The reading of some names brought sighs. But, when the last name was read groans & tears ripped the air. Several were unaware that their hospice dog had died during the night.
These caregivers know how patients bond with canines. "The dog doesn't care if I've lost my hair & look like a skeleton," one patient shared. "They love you no matter what." 
We yearn for unconditional love. Our judgement-free pets offer that. People cannot avoid noticing how disease deforms & patients often apologize for their appearance. Canine caregivers require no apology.
All we need to know about how dogs deliver joy beyond happiness is to conjure one image: A child bursts in on Christmas morning. A new puppy scurries from under the tree & into their arms.
-Erie Chapman
Photos by Gary Odom
Journal of Sacred Work 
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