Our Administrative Assistant, Connie, brings her dog, Scooter, to work with her most days each week.
It's kind of unusual to find a dog inside a working office. But the area where we work is not easily seen from 75th Avenue so it seemed appropriate to let Connie bring Scooter with her. There are times when there aren't a lot of people around and, when a stranger appears at the door, Scooter lets them know he's not to be messed with.
But it finally dawned on me yesterday that Scooter plays a more important role in our office. He provides comfort for people.
I see lots of people every week. Many of them are hurting. Hurting over a broken relationship...the loss of a loved one...a cutback a work and a loss of income...a struggle with depression.
They come into our office with long, sad faces and heavy hearts. And then Scooter greets them.
Basically, Scooter goes nuts. He welcomes every person like they are his new best friend. He barks. He jumps. He wiggles around like he's doing the rumba. To be greeted by our comfort dog is to be made to feel very important.
Sad faces grow smiles. Folks rub Scooter's head and scratch his back. He responds with kisses and his famous, "Oooooooh!" greeting (that means you're a real friend).
By the time these folks get to my office, some of the tension has been lifted. We talk and read Scripture and pray. People leave with the hope and peace of Christ planted in their hearts through the Holy Spirit's effective work. And Scooter has helped to pave the way.
I was over at Phoenix Children's Hospital earlier in the week and I ran into a couple of comfort dogs. They were just coming out of a room. I peaked inside and saw what was probably an 8 year old, no hair, perhaps suffering from cancer.
The little girl had a big smile on her face. Her Mom said, "When you get home, we're going to get you your own dog."
Man's best friend does have the ability to lift the spirits of hurting people like no other. I'm glad that I finally figured out what Scooter's role is at our church. He is not the "head of security," as I have jokingly said. He is our comfort dog.
