"The Great Secret Keeper"
by Senior Chaplain Terry Morgan
The lady Chaplain stood at the front of the class of grade schoolers. She had a big golden retriever at her side. She spoke to the children saying, “I know you are all sad over what happened to your friend. It is a scary thing that happened. My helper here is Chaplain Max. Chaplain Max is what is called a service dog. He loves children, and you can tell him anything. You can tell him how you are feeling, or what you think about what happened, and he won’t tell anyone. Chaplain Max is a Great Secret Keeper.”
The children were all very well behaved. They quietly lined up, and one by one they got down, and whispered secrets in the big golden retriever’s ear. The Chaplain and a school counselor stood close by, listening to see if any of the children may need individual help or attention. Chaplain Max sat patiently, his tail gently wagging at each child.
Chaplains use many tools in working with hurting and grieving people. Sometimes a gentle word and a little guidance is all that is needed. Sometimes it is a warm blanket on a cold wet night. Sometimes it is a teddy bear to hold and squeeze. Other times, we bring in Chaplain Max. Many people ask how we ended up with a Golden Retriever Chaplain. We would like to share his story.
Let’s start with Max’s handler, Chaplain Lynnette. Chaplain Lynnette has a disease called Dystonia. This is a neural muscular disease that causes involuntary muscle spasms. It can lead to a temporary blindness; can cause her to temporarily lose the ability to speak; and can even cause her hips to pop out of joint. There are times when she is restricted to a wheel chair.
Chaplain Lynnette’s dystonia led her to seek out a service dog. It would have to be a large breed to help her get up from the ground if she falls, and calm enough to be around people. A big golden retriever would be perfect. Chaplain Lynnette began searching for her service dog at the “Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Sanctuary”. They rescue golden retrievers about to be euthanized.
The Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Sanctuary went to Idaho to rescue two dogs. They were asked if they could take a third dog who would have to be put to sleep soon. They rescued him, and introduced him to Lynnette. This was Max.
The first time Chaplain Lynnette met Max, he seemed to immediately bond with her. He lay at her feet and wouldn’t leave her side. Max is a golden retriever and Anatolian Shepherd (or Turkish Sheepdog) mix. This was the perfect mix of soft and cuddly, strong, but gentle and calm.
She took Max home, and began his rigorous training to be her personal service dog. He learned commands in three languages; he knows verbal commands, sign language, and guttural commands (clicks and clacks of the tongue, for times when she loses the ability to speak). Max knows how to pick up items with his mouth, how to pick Chaplain Lynnette up off the ground, and how to pull her in her wheelchair. He even knows the difference between right and left.
Max is especially gentle and loving with kids. He has had babies climb all over him, poking, prodding, and pulling hair. Chaplain Lynnette has special training to work with children in grief. They make an awesome team. The two of them respond together to all kinds of emergency calls. But they are always called when children are involved, and especially schools.
If you happen to see Chaplain Lynnette and Chaplain Max out and about, there are a few simple rules to remember. In fact, any time you see a person with a service dog you should follow these same rules. Service dogs are almost always very cute and loving, but if you distract them while they are working, you may cause their handler to get hurt. Always ask the handler before you talk to or try to pet their service animal. Don’t be offended if they say no. They rely on their service animal the same way we rely on our legs, or eyes, or ears. They may ask you to wait until they can get the animal seated, or in a certain position for their safety.
Chaplain Max loves his role. He loves being around people in general, and especially getting to work with kids. His morning routine starts with a fifteen minute brushing and grooming. He often gets paid for a job well done. His favorite means of payment are a doggie treat, or a nice tummy rub.
(Can you find Chaplain Max?)