The best therapy can be found in man's best friend

There’s nothing like a good dog story to bring out the best in people. Not long ago I stopped by Newport Hospital and was surprised to see a “multi-ethnic” dog about the size of a lab, mostly black with a graying muzzle and a distinctive one dark, one light eye. An old soldier not easily fooled.

He was parked on the cement sidewalk near the front entrance. Sitting motionless, eyes on the door. When it swung open he stretched his neck to peer down the hall — obviously looking for someone. He tolerated a phone photo, but otherwise his attention had only one direction.

When I asked about him at the front desk I was told he waits for a man who comes for physical therapy sessions. The old dog sits patiently outside until his “person” shows up. I was grateful this small town hospital allows its canine visitor.

I don’t know why the man is in physical therapy — but probably his best therapy is his graying old friend firmly planted by the front door.

The whole scene might have come from a children’s book favorite, “Can I Be Your Dog?” A stray dog, Arfy, living in a cardboard box in the alley sends out hopeful letters asking for a home only to be turned down. Finally the mail lady, aware of his rejection replies, tapes a note to his soggy dog box asking, “Can I be your person?”

If he agrees, he is to meet her at the blue mailbox. He comes running, note in his mouth, eyes only for her.

And this is why everybody loves a good dog story. Be it homeless Arfy or the hospital dog waiting for his man to show, dogs long to be loyal — to have eyes for their person. And when that person is you, no matter what else is wrong your dog makes it right.