I’d been visiting the hospital with my therapy dog, Riley, for a while now. Most patients lit up the moment they saw him—stroking his golden fur, laughing at his happy tail wags.
But today was different.The nurses led us into a quiet room where an elderly man lay still, eyes fixed on the ceiling. He looked tired, distant—like he hadn’t spoken in a while. His name was Mr. Callahan.
“They say he hasn’t responded much,” one nurse whispered. “Maybe Riley can help.”I nodded and gave Riley the command. Without hesitation, he hopped onto the bed, resting his head gently on Mr. Callahan’s chest.Silence.
