through a dog's eyes: the greatest job of all by cooper montana mandell, gr

it was a crisp december evening in san diego as i jumped out of my mom’s prius and on to the cold pavement. i was excited to finally be there after a long two-hour ride from hermosa beach.

at the time, riding in my mom’s car wasn’t exactly my favorite pastime, but i knew i was on my way to do a very important job, and to meet someone very, very special. so i did my best to be a good boy, and settled quietly in the back seat as we made our journey down the 405.

as we walked through the empty parking lot towards the tall glass doors my heart started beating quickly, and my paws began to tremble. they do that when i get nervous.

as we passed a sign reading, “lemon grove convalescent home,” i abruptly stopped, and took a long look at the beautiful plaque adorned with green and red twinkling lights.

next to the sign was a round figure wearing a crimson hat on his head, and a bushy white beard on his chin. i wasn’t sure what he was , and tilted my head to try and figure it out. he wasn’t moving, but his rosy cheeks made me think he must be kind, but i was still young, and wasn’t quite sure. 

i leaned into mom’s leg as her soft voice explained to me that he was santa claus and that i didn’t need to be afraid. she gently stroked my back and waited patiently for me to feel brave. after a few moments, i built up my courage and was ready to move past him. i briskly darted by, just in case he suddenly came to life.

a puppy cannot be too cautious, you just never know.

the magical sliding doors opened for us as we approached. we didn’t have to do anything. it’s like they knew we were there on a mission. like we were royalty entering our castle.

my favorite holiday song, “jingle bells,” sang out from the sky as we passed by a young man working behind a desk. he was busy, but took a moment to give us a quick glance and say “merry christmas.” he shot me a friendly smile and even waved.

my tail started wagging uncontrollably, and he started to giggle. i think he liked me. i know i liked him.

mom led me down a long corridor filled with funny equipment. empty chairs on wheels, carts covered with stuff i know i’m not allowed to have, and flat rolling bedlike things that didn’t look too comfy.   

i started to get a little worried because i didn’t see any more humans. was everyone in bed? what if grandma was asleep, dreaming of treats and plush toys? what would happen if i didn’t get to do my job? 

my paw started to tremble again. i looked up at mom, as i often did when i was unsure. she gave me a soft smile, and whispered “we’re almost there, you’ll meet grandma soon.” my paw stopped shaking.

finally, after what seemed like an eternity for a puppy, there it was, grandma’s room. number 155. the door was open just a crack, so i stuck my nose in and peered inside. but before i could make another move, mom asked me to look at her and sit nicely. 

being the good puppy that i am, i did. she brushed her fingers through my hair, and smoothed the rumpled strands that had tangled as i napped in the car. then took a long look at me and said, “okay, handsome, let’s meet grandma.” she gave me a kiss on my forehead, and opened the door.

there she was. grandma. resting beautifully in her bed. her frosty hair framing her soft face. her slender hands resting on her heart. her eyes emotionless. her face told many stories of loneliness, fear, pain and loss. my heart ached for her.

she smiled sweetly and held out her hand. i lowered my head and moved to her, wrapping my head in her palm and nuzzling her side. her sweet voice spoke softly to me as she caressed my ears. 

i could feel the sadness of the room turn to bliss. my heart began to sing.

then the most amazing thing happened. grandma gently patted an empty space on her bed, and in her kind voice said, “up. up.” oh my gosh, she was inviting me up to snuggle. i could hardly contain myself and wanted to leap right up. but i wasn’t sure. 

i turned to mom for permission and after the longest second of my life, she nodded and said, “it’s okay.  up!”

i carefully leapt on to grandma’s bed and rested my head on her chest. she wrapped her arms around me, and gently held on. i could hear her heart beating, and her voice whispering, “nice dog, nice dog.” chills ran up my spine, and my soul filled with love.  

after a few moments, i looked up into her eyes. they shimmered in the moonlight, and the most beautiful smile i had ever seen washed over her delicate face. i had done my job. for that moment, she was happy.  

grandma and i cuddled for hours as she and mom shared stories of family, friends and days gone by. there was laughter and tears, awkward moments and sweet ones.  

as night fell, grandma drifted off into her world of dreams, her hands still resting on my head. when it was time, i carefully slid away from her, and quietly jumped off her bed. i waited patiently as mom gave her a soft kiss, and whispered “i love you.” we tiptoed out, leaving grandma sleeping like an angel.

as we walked out the glass doors, and past santa claus, i held my head high, and wagged my tail confidently. i had a prance in my step.  

my paw no longer trembled.

when we reached the car, mom wrapped me in her arms, and said “good boy, i’m so proud of you.”

i buried my head in her heart, and gave her a big sloppy kiss. i knew she was right. i had spread love and joy.  that was my job.  

the greatest job of all.