Part of the magic of having a therapy dog and visiting rehab facilities, is that you never know what will happen. Just last week, Bella and I went into Martha’s room, as we have every Wednesday for the past year, and she was clearly in a mood. First she announced that Bella was “selfish” because she backed away from her. I said something diplomatic like, “That’s just Bella, Martha. I’m sure she likes you.”

Then she glared at me and said, “That dog has the wrong name!” Now both Bella and I were thinking of backing up. I didn’t want to encourage this line of thinking so simply waited to see what she’d say next. In a burst of energy from this petite ninety-year old, she announced:  “Her name is Donald Trump!”

“What?” I said. “No way!” Then quickly realized I was in Alice in Wonderland territory and shouldn’t argue.

“So nice to see you, Martha,” I added before I could be told why my sweet dog had this new and inappropriate name. “We’ll see you next week.”

Martha shook her head, a dismissal. It’s Wednesday tomorrow and I’m wondering what will happen? Will she be the gracious Southern Belle who loves giving Bella treats, or will we be branded with a new name? I’ve learned from this wonderful dog, to take it all in stride. And like her, to simply show up, take the treats, and let go of what happens. To practice kindness. And that, by the way, is my wish for our country in this new year.

(photo of Trump courtesy of Getty)