Anna & Esther: Companionship, Grief and the Healing Power of Presence

“Compassionate grief support inspired by the quiet presence of Esther the Saint Bernard.”

  • MSW student (Liberty University)
  • MA in Thanatology (CUNY Brooklyn College)
  • Thanatology & community health professional
  • Volunteer bereavement support caller (Accent Care Hospice)
  • Trained end-of-life doula
  • Working toward grief & bereavement therapist licensure
  • Guided by compassion, dignity, and the belief that no one—human or animal—should face death alone

When Training Pauses: Putting Esther’s Health First 🐾

Therapy dog training teaches many lessons, not just for the dog, but for the handler, too. One of the most important is learning when to pause.

Recently, Esther had to take a short break from her training after developing a small infection on one of her paw pads. While it’s minor and already being treated, it was enough to remind us that health always comes before progress.

During her veterinary visit, Esther was calm, supported, and surrounded by care.
A Small Paw, A Big Responsibility
A closer look at the paw pad that needed time to heal—minor issues still deserve complete care.

For a working dog—especially a giant breed like Esther—paw pads are essential. They support her weight, help her navigate different surfaces, and enable her to participate safely in training and therapy sessions. Even a minor irritation can quickly become painful if not addressed.

During her veterinary visit, Esther was calm, cooperative, and her usual gentle self while her paw was examined and treated. The recommendation was clear: rest, treatment, and time to heal before returning to training activities.

Why Time Off Is Part of Ethical Therapy Dog Work

In therapy dog work, stepping back is not failure; it’s a responsibility.

Pet Partners emphasizes that a therapy animal’s physical and emotional well-being must always come first. As Esther’s handler and mom, it’s my job to notice subtle changes and advocate for her comfort, even when she would happily keep going.

Taking this pause allows:

  • Proper healing of her paw pad
  • Prevention of further irritation or injury
  • Positive associations with training and handling
  • Long-term sustainability for her future therapy work

Healing Before Helping

Esther will return to training only when:

  • Her paw pad is fully healed
  • She is cleared by her veterinarian
  • She is comfortable, confident, and pain-free

Until then, we’re focusing on rest, gentle care, medicated foot soaks, and lots of quiet bonding time at home.

A Gentle Reminder for Handlers and Caregivers

Whether working with animals or people, the lesson is the same: healing doesn’t happen on a schedule. Sometimes the most loving and professional decision is to slow down.

Esther’s journey isn’t ending; it’s simply pausing for another week so she can come back healthy, strong, and ready to do the work she loves. 🐾

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