Bodie is a three-year-old Golden Retriever. Born in August 2009, he and his parents were surrendered the following June to a rescue organization, Homeward Bound for Goldens, in Elverta, California. The human family had fallen on hard times and could no longer afford to keep the dogs. He was adopted by Gwen shortly thereafter. She named him Bodie (his original name was Aslan) after the California gold mining town because she considers him her “golden nugget.”
Gwen quickly realized that Bodie had a special gift with people. When he was just a year old, Gwen, who works at a university, asked her office manager if she could bring the dog to work with her one day a week. Gwen believed Bodie would be a calming presence and her instincts were correct.
Gwen’s manager was quickly won over. Bodie also developed a following among faculty, staff, and students, many of whom visit Gwen’s office every Thursday when they know Bodie will be in residence. His services are always in high demand when finals, mid-terms, and research papers are looming. Bodie has became the unofficial therapy dog for stressed-out students.
Never content with a little head scratching when visitors pop in to pet him, Bodie manages to slowly sink to the floor and roll onto his back, offering his belly for a rub. His fans oblige, usually dropping down on the floor next to him to provide a proper massage.
Bodie has widened his circle of friends to the broader campus. On pretty days, when Gwen and one of her colleagues lunch on the lawn outside their office, Bodie can be found mingling among the other noontime diners, looking for food, affection, and a little play.
With retirement not far off, Gwen is eager to have Bodie certified as a therapy dog. He has already passed the initial testing. When asked what makes Bodie special, Gwen responds without hesitation that he has all the wonderful traits she appreciates in humans, including a positive outlook and a sense of humor. He’s always smiling, which makes Gwen smile too.
Bodie was fortunate to be selected that June day amid all the other deserving dogs awaiting good homes. Talking to Gwen, it’s clear she thinks the fortune was hers. Both of them wander back to the office grinning all the way.
by Elizabeth Sundstrom
What a sweet dog, that Bodie!
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