Gidget isn’t a certified therapy dog, nor do I particularly think she would be cut out for that type of work on a consistent basis. But she does love our friend, Miss Marie. I guess you could say that Gidget, at her age, has learned to set her boundaries and is particular about who she is going to spend her time with.

I’ve written about Miss Marie before. A dear lady I’ve been getting to know better, who before this, was always the mysterious woman to me who lives downtown in our small village, in the big white house on the corner. Fascinated by her artistic flair for quite some time I was, and then through a series of events, we have now become friends. I’m so grateful as I love spending time with her.

She was gone for a month and a half as she traveled to see family and to spend some time in Arizona. I admire her get up and go as she just packed up her electric green SUV and drove the route by herself.

I’m happy to have her back again. She is now recovering from some foot surgery. An email came later last week kindly summoning a visit from me, but most importantly, from the little 10 lb. dog, known as Miss Gidget, to accompany me to brighten up Miss Marie’s day who has been pretty much house bound since her surgery. Seems Miss G has burrowed her way right into the heart of Miss M who has had many cats in her life, but never a dog.

For years I’d been curious about what the inside of Marie’s house looked like. And today I got to find out! In many ways, it was just as I imagined, and I was tickled pink that it fit what I had been imagining in my mind for so many years. Eclectic with a twist of artistic flair (of course!), thrown in with 2nd hand shop finds over the years, and a dash of cottage style, I wanted to stay there forever among her treasures and the inviting, cozy atmosphere.

Still a bit weary from her surgery, after we at our Chicken Caesar salads I brought for us, Miss Marie said to grab a chair and come sit by her as she nestled back in bed, propping her foot up on pillows.

As we talked, Gidget napped happily and quite contently in the pink pouch that hangs like a sling around my neck and shoulder, like a little Joey nesting in a mama Kangaroo’s pouch.

Miss Marie, comfortable in her own skin and not afraid to say what she needs or wants. She tells it like it is too and I like that about her. Her laugh is endearing and her wisdom is something I soak up and take into my heart.

I brought along Miss Gidget’s beret  as Miss Marie often wears one now and then. I asked if I could get a picture of them together in their berets. Miss Marie was more than happy to oblige– anything for her little furry friend.

There are times I miss the “official” certified therapy work I did with Frankie, which we did about three times every month for three years.

But in a way, I too, am a bit more selective with my time these days and setting more boundaries. And perhaps Miss Gidget is my reminder of that for me at this time in my life. And I’m so happy for times like these where I can experience the joy of sharing the love of a dog with someone like Miss Marie.

So we may not be an “official” certified team, but our hearts are certainly in the right places as we brought joy to Miss Marie today. And in return, we came home with double the joy in our own hearts.

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