365 Photo Project - Day 143

Taken: May 23, 2010, 10 p.m.
Location: Healdsburg, Ca.

That's Chamuco, my little pug all tuckered out after spending the day with me. I took him down to Sacramento today -- a 3-hour round trip -- to visit my friend in the hospital. She is still very ill and not out of the woods yet, but she has made progress. The nurses at the hospital, encourage family and friends to bring their pets -- believing that it helps patients in their recovery. My friend is the reason we have Chamuco and I thought it was fitting to bring him along for a visit.
I was worried that he would be a little bit too rambunctious for a visit to the hospital, but he did well. I know this sounds silly, but he is a very sensitive soul and I think he sensed the gravity of the illness around him. I know that scientists have shown that some dogs can sense when people are sick and without knowing anything about it, I believe it. 

When we put Chamuco on my friend's bed, he didn't get excited. He wagged his tail and sniffed around, licking her hands and feet, but he resonated a Zen-like calm. Very unlike a dog whose name means "Little Devil."

He had a positive effect on everyone who saw him that day -- even my friend's father who we met outside her room. Chamcuo went right up to him and sat at his feet, letting him rub his head. This is the same dog that would rather jump on a person to greet them. I was impressed with his demeanor. Perhaps he is smarter than I give him credit for.
I loved to see the smiles on people's faces as we walked through the hospital hallways. Pugs are indeed strange looking dogs, what with their scrunchy flat faces, bulging eyes and stocky builds, but I defy you to find a pug that can't put a smile on someone's face.
It was a long day for Chamuco but I was glad to have him along as my copilot for the day. I hope the visit helped my friend, even just a little. I don't need any reinforcement in my belief of the Power of the Pug, but seeing my friend get better would be a warm and welcome sight.