Still Dancing: A Tribute to Riley

A few weeks ago, I had to say a final goodbye to Riley.

A couple of years back, a staff member at the hospice organization where I volunteered spotted Riley and instantly became a fan. She was so sure he’d make a great therapy dog that I couldn’t resist going through the training with him. When Riley passed his first evaluation with flying colors, I knew we were ready to go!

We only had a year and a half of pet therapy visits, but he made every moment count. I really miss those visits—and I miss him most of all. I owe him so much.

Riley was one of a kind. A gentle, 60-pound Lab and Flat-Coated Retriever mix, he had no interest in water and wouldn’t retrieve to save his soul—but he absolutely loved doing pet therapy visits. He’d do a little dance every time I brought out his Pet Partners neckerchief and collar.

Riley was the real talent in our team, no doubt about it. He was almost irresistible. He loved meeting people and had a warm, easy curiosity about everyone—patients, family members, and staff alike. If you ever held Riley’s head in your hands and talked to him, you made a friend for life. (Okay, yes—he felt the same way if you gave him a treat, but still!)

Even one of the Volunteer Coordinators shared how Riley touched her:
“When I was told my dog Lily had limited time, my heart said I could never love another dog again. But when I saw Riley’s face in the lobby a day or so later, I felt such joy. That’s when I knew that even after Lily was gone, I could love again. I would feel that joy again.”

Riley was nearly 14 when cancer took its toll. It’s hard to imagine not doing visits with him anymore—not seeing the way he lifted the spirits of everyone around him. When it came time to say goodbye, we brought a can of Redi-Whip to the vet to celebrate his life. He enjoyed every last bite.

My wife, Jacki, and I feel so lucky to have shared so many wonderful years with him. And doing pet therapy meant I got to see Riley at his very best—which brought out the best in me, too.

It’s because of Riley that I started doing pet therapy. And it’s because of him that I’ll keep going.

What a gift.

Thanks a million, R Man. I hope you’re still dancing.

– Doran Dibble, Volunteer