Can I pet your dog?

I’ll admit it…when I say I have the best dog, it’s a completely biased statement. But it doesn’t make it any less true. For the past four years, I’ve been told time and again how special my dog is, and deep down, I’ve always known it.

I brought Keida home when she was just seven weeks old. From that day forward, I’ve spent more time with her than with anyone else. I’ve trained her, learned from her, and quite literally walked through life with her. Originally, I just wanted a hunting dog. I had recently picked up bird hunting and thought it would be the perfect chance to finally own the dog I’d always dreamed of.

What I didn’t expect was to find a dog who would be not only the best bird dog I’ll likely ever have, but also a companion who has touched countless lives.

Keida isn’t a therapy dog. She’s not a certified emotional support animal. She’s never had any formal training in that regard. Yet I’ve seen her comfort people, convert non-dog people into dog lovers (I keep a list), and break down walls with kids who were otherwise unreachable.

One summer, while I was running a youth leadership program, I started bringing Keida along to my site visits at the daycamps the teens assisted with. On her very first outing, something unexpected happened. When we arrived at one camp location, the staff were struggling with a boy who had completely shut down. He was sitting on a concrete block, refusing to speak or engage. As we approached, Keida’s curiosity and natural ability led her straight to him. She nudged in close, and as soon as he reached out to pet her, something changed. That small moment of connection helped him regulate his emotions and begin talking to the leaders again.

I’ve seen this over and over. Burnt-out leaders find comfort just by sitting with her. Campers on the verge of being sent home soften when she comes near. Time after time, she breaks through barriers that words alone can’t touch.

I know the idea of animals in workplaces or camp settings can be debated, but I can’t deny the difference Keida has made. With the right temperament, a dog can bring an immeasurable quality of care, connection, and calm to people who need it most.

I’m endlessly grateful for my dog. Not only for the way she supports campers and leaders, but for the way she supports me. She may have started as just a hunting dog, but she’s become so much more: a constant companion and an unexpected source of healing for many, myself included.