We met in November at the Barkley Pet Hotel in Westlake Village. I was immediately drawn to his intelligent face and handsome brindled coat and found myself a bit star struck at Little Bear’s pedigree. Not only was he an ancient and revered Japanese breed, Kai Kin, but he had once belonged to the Reagans, (yes, those Reagans.) After Bryan Michael Stoller adopted Little Bear in 2002, he became a movie star. All that should have been enough for me to fall in love, but then I found out the best thing of all about this guy. His side job was to visit hospitals.
Now, I felt truly honored to be photographed with him, because besides being a pet and animal artist, my past is filled with decades in such institutions.
My work as a hospital based diabetes educator was sometimes lonely and emotionally draining. I had to deliver bad news and encouragement in the same encounter. My patients were often scared and resistant to the lifestyle changes that would be required of them.
My work, though I loved it, was lonely, and during a normal day I often needed someone who would be there for just for me, someone who could wordlessly encourage my dogged effort.
Hearing about Little Bear’s other job made me realize that he is that kind of a dog and his owner, one of those selfless types who shares his beloved pet with sick people and caregivers.
After my photo op, they gave me DVDs, First Dog and The Wizard of Paws, both sensitive, uplifting stories about an unusual dog, whose wisdom, love and devotion changed a life.
But isn’t that what all dogs are apt to do, if we let them?
http://www.bryanmichaelstoller.com/
Now, I felt truly honored to be photographed with him, because besides being a pet and animal artist, my past is filled with decades in such institutions.
My work as a hospital based diabetes educator was sometimes lonely and emotionally draining. I had to deliver bad news and encouragement in the same encounter. My patients were often scared and resistant to the lifestyle changes that would be required of them.
My work, though I loved it, was lonely, and during a normal day I often needed someone who would be there for just for me, someone who could wordlessly encourage my dogged effort.
Hearing about Little Bear’s other job made me realize that he is that kind of a dog and his owner, one of those selfless types who shares his beloved pet with sick people and caregivers.
After my photo op, they gave me DVDs, First Dog and The Wizard of Paws, both sensitive, uplifting stories about an unusual dog, whose wisdom, love and devotion changed a life.
But isn’t that what all dogs are apt to do, if we let them?
http://www.bryanmichaelstoller.com/
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