Very touching and true to life photo. Congrats to Linda for being so kind. Animals can touch the otherwise unreachable.

This moving picture tells it all, Dirk. I'm inspired to see what I can do to spearhead such an initiative. My awesome Schnauzer (coincidentally named Dirk) is a little too hyper and snappy, I think, but I do have an acquaintance I exchange hellos with everyday when I walk Dirk at the park. Her friend is such a sweet Golden Retreiver- older and very gentle. I will try to solicit her help. I know that posting a picture with your beloved Urchin must have been difficult in a sense, and- ordinarily I agree and don't advertise my involvement..but, perhaps others will be inspired to go visit nursing home residents in their areas and take furry friends along to help lift the spirits of the lonely and many times all but forgotten souls who too often languish away in loneliness and hopelessness; whose days would be considerably brightened by the another's genuine concern and a little TLC. I love the expression of delight on the lady's face, and, though Linda has her head down, I see her beauty- from the inside out. Thank you, my friend!

I happy you posted this. i see humans do have a heart and this one is gold. look at the age lady face too all happy. cool shot

It is certain what Linda says, is a picture that mobilizes the feelings and that she has a great load of emotion...!!! Fantastic sense of the opportunity Dirk....!!! My congratulations for this wonderful work.....!!!

♥WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROBY ♥ ;o)

A wonderful picture. This dear lady seems to be coming alive at the sight and feel of your dog. When my Mom was in a home for the elderly there were a couple cats who lived there too. They wandered around freely. The residents loved them and responded to them very well.

I almost feel as though I intruded.

Truely a gentle giant. Beautiful dog, and lovely you for sharing warmth and pleasure they can bring. Wonderful moment. : )

Wonderful thing you do. GOOD for you !!! My daughter just got accepted to be a Junior volunteer at Childrens Hospital this summer and she's thrilled shes only 15 but loves to do stuff like that..

Such a fantastic capture. So tender and beautiful. A great dedication for our dear Linda. Bunny

Beautiful, poignant and touching foto, Dirk!! It's amazing how these animals seem to be able to reach people who otherwise don't seem to be able to communicate! I love this!!

fantastisch initiatief !!

Wonderful to see! My dogs also do this with Caring Canines in Bournemouth UK, have a peep at my Gallery!

A wonderful and touching capture, Dirk. My compliments ;O)

What a wonderful thing, and a grand thing to share...[=

Very touching shot, Dirk! One can see the thrill in the lady's eyes. I have seen myself with my own dogs how a response can be gotten from those who normally don't respond at all and it's a special experience. Great image and dedication.

What a wonderful image! This is lovely.

This is such a touching scene, and brings back memories of when I would take one or two of my small dogs to visit my grandma in the old people's home. I remember one instance when I placed one of my little Japanese Chins on a lady's knee who was both deaf and blind - I will never forget the smile and sheer blissful look on that lady's face as she stroked our little dog, it will live in my memory forever - You do a very worthwhile thing my friend, hugs Jane xx

My daughter's mother-in-law loves our dogs. She is up in years also, thankfully still in her own home. This is a wonderful picture, and perhaps can inspire others to join associations of visiting "therapy" dogs. Urchin is a particularily handsome Wolfhound.

This is a stunning capture for obvious reasons, but what strikes me the most is the way in which the woman seems utterly transformed. I know nothing about her; she's just a part of a photograph, realistically, to me...but there is a powerful spark of humanity here and I can see hints and glimpses of the person she once was, and in many ways, still is. I spent a couple of years helping take care of my grandmother in Chicago. She lived into her late 80s, but was stricken by a series of micro-strokes that were virtually undetectable. Well...they WERE detectable, but the result of those strokes was almost a point-for-point match to senile dementia. What I remember the most about those days, and it's something captured in this image, is the fact that there were times when I'd watch her (usually when she wasn't aware of it) and I'd see her "unguarded self." It's during those moments when the extremely old DO let their guard down, and you see such incredible humanity! You've captured this splendidly in this image, and Urchin is also wonderfully alive and interactive here. There's definitely a connection taking place, and that you captured (and showed it) is a sign that for as bad as things can potentially get (in any number of ways) there are still these small moments that make more difference than great, earth-shattering events.