It’s #familyfriday on my calendar, and here is yet another touching exchange between the best listener in my family—our rescue Lab and therapy dog, Kumba—and a memory care resident in the facility we visit every Thursday.

Julia has placed Kumba in her world with a whole back story that includes being in her home and in her car in Philadelphia. She believes she has known him since he was a puppy, and he responds in kind. “Julia is your very best friend,” I say to Kumba. “He knows he can count on you not just for treats but also for love,” I say to Julia. “He knows he’s in good hands.”

The day we adopted Kumba through Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida was the beginning of a six-year journey that allowed this sweet dog to blossom from traumatized shelter pup to Zen master therapist. It is a wonder what love and kindness can do. And that he and I can now export that compassion to the residents (and staff!) of the assisted living and memory care facility. What an honor.

Here are some of the other exchanges we had during our visit, including one conversation that began with a dear resident stroking my cheek with the back of her hand, essentially petting me.

Thank you LRRoF, the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and Complete Canine Training for giving us the tools to do this volunteer work.