Date: 13/06/2026
All Rights Reserved by the Author
At a small community centre, visitors often spoke about a particular volunteer.
The interesting part was that the volunteer had four legs.
Every morning, a friendly dog arrived with one of the staff members and spent the day greeting people at the entrance.
New visitors were often nervous.
Some were attending support groups. Others were seeking assistance or simply looking for companionship.
The dog greeted everyone the same way.
With curiosity.
With enthusiasm.
And without judgment.
Over time, many people began arriving a little early just to spend a few minutes with their favourite greeter.
Children loved the dog.
Older visitors enjoyed the routine.
Even staff members admitted that difficult days seemed easier when the dog was around.
The animal had no training in counselling or social work.
Yet it performed an important service.
It helped people feel welcome.
Sometimes kindness requires words.
Sometimes it arrives wagging its tail.
And often, that is enough.
Rajat Chandra Sarmah
Guwahati, Assam, India
email: rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com
youtube: conversewithasmile
musingofrajat.wordpress.com 