Moritz fan Bailey, a Golden Retriever, with his
person who reads him A Gift to Share
Moritz and Barry often receive letters from readers,
patients, and others who have been affected by Nose
to Nose and pet therapy. They'd like to
share some of those letters here, to encourage dialogue
and to strengthen the bonds between writers, readers,
and dogs.
Dear Barry,
I hope you don't mind my calling you Barry.
Having read your book, I almost feel like I know
you. My name is Dean and your book was given to
me by a very dear friend, Susan, with whom, I
believe, you have corresponded.
Susan
and I have known one another for over thirty
years and are very close. Our lives have
intertwined since we were in high school and
there are very few months over the many years
that we have not been in communication with each
other.
Her gift of your book came at a perfect time. I
have had severe complications from Sudden
Traumatic Stress Disorder for over six months.
As much as I love to read, I'd been unable to do
so until recently. What a pleasure it was to
pick up your book and read about your work with
Moritz and your love for one another.
Your book reminded me of when I did some
volunteer work in a nursing facility. I found it
amazing how fast one could make a connection
with a patient and how deeply intimate, however
brief, that connection could be. Occasionally
the patients were visited by volunteers who
brought their trained pets; mostly dogs but
sometimes an occasional cat.
I don't subscribe to any particular vision of
God, but I firmly believe that you who do the
work you do, are blessed. I have seen the effect
that animals have, even, and maybe especially,
on people who are near the end of their lives. I
have seen many clients who would not or could
not let any person into their lives, allow a dog
immediate access. I have seen patients in agony
from their disease, relax and let a dog into
their tortured lives for a few minutes.
I have experienced first hand the healing effect
of an animal. I have been unable to work for
over six months. A few months ago, my partner's
sister (we all live together) bought a Chihuahua
puppy. Her name is Sophie. Sophie, simply put,
has saved my life. She stayed with me during the
depths of my depression. She'd play with me and
constantly licked my face. When she'd tire she'd
either curl up beside me, on top of me in my
lap, or crawl beneath the covers and cozy up
next to me there. She loves contact. Sometimes
she sticks her head inside my tee shirt at my
neck and proceeds to crawl in, so my tee shirt
is cradling her next to me, skin to fur.
Honestly, I think she kept me alive when things
were at their darkest. What better testament to
love can there be between a man and a dog?
I'm sorry, I'm rambling. I just wanted you to
know what a pleasure it was to read your book
and what memories it stirred in me. Thank you
for writing it.
Susan
and I have known one another for over thirty
years and are very close. Our lives have
intertwined since we were in high school and
there are very few months over the many years
that we have not been in communication with each
other. 
