Benji’s Ear: Silence Speaks Volumes

How’s it going everyone?! It’s Benji the Pup here for another tail (or is that tale?)!  I want to talk about something a little different, more of a feeling really.  That feeling when something just isn’t right, when someone doesn’t say it but needs a paw on their shoulder.  It happens a lot in the office and I want to share an experience with you.  For puppy privacy, we’ll call our visitor Bob.  

After a particularly intense session, I felt Bob was holding on to something.  It was crushing him and he needed some support.  I didn’t know why, of course.  But I did know just what to do.  I walked up to the couch, flashed my most dazzling puppy eyes, and leapt up next to him.  Then I gave him an authentic Benji hug.  After a couple seconds he pulled away and I laid down next to him.  From there, Bob petted me and really started opening up about what was bothering him.  All I had to do was sit and listen. Sometimes just listening is enough.

Bob isn’t alone. Almost every day I just get this sense that someone needs a hug, or a wack from the ‘ol wagger, or even just a head on a lap. Ultimately, my best tool for when things feel out of place is my ears #FLOPPY! Sometimes, when a hug won’t cut it, we just need to be willing to hear what they have to say. It’s important to actually take in their words and not just think about how to respond. Listening is healing.  I’ll cue you in on a lil secret too… this is a huge part of my job.  Therapy Doggo reporting for hearing! 

Even though you may not be a therapy doggo yourself, you can still feel it. Think of a time when you showed up for someone you love, but barely said a word. Empathy and compassion guide us in those moments. If someone needs you and you don’t know how to help, just go back to the basics. Be silent and listen. Hear their voice and what’s going on with them. Witness their story. That may be all they need in that moment. 

Well, it’s the end of the day! Time for this pup to clock out and get some rest.  There’s going to be lots to hear tomorrow!  Till next time folks!

Benji, Therapy Doggo

Written by Mark A. Smithson