Roger Randall had to go back to square one after suffering from a series of strokes. It affected the left and right hemisphere of his brain. He had to go back to the basics and learn how to talk, walk, and eat. Randall had to undergo physical therapy to help him recover. Little did he know that petting a dog was going to play a significant role in his healing journey.
Back to square one
Randall had to go through the process of unlearning and relearning. He spent years lifting hundreds of weights and waling on the elliptical to regain his strength. There was also work that needed to be done to improve Randall’s eyesight and fine motor skills. That’s when Bella walked into his life.
Bella’s healing powers
Bella used to live in a shelter. When she was put up for adoption, Cindy Cook Bouslaugh chanced upon her listing online. The resident life associate at Dunklu Gardens found her to be a perfect fit for their family, and the rest is history.
When Bella accompanied Bouslaugh to the health center, the staff realized that she had the potential to become a therapy dog. Aside from having the right height, Bella knew how to comfort patients who were confused and scared.
The therapy dog was on duty when Randall suddenly approached her and started petting her. The old man could not control his hands, and he was trying to regain coordination at that time. Bella melted to the ground when Randall touched her; she could not say no to the free massage.
Randall and Bella met weekly since then. The Labrador would patiently wait for him so he can give her belly rubs. The stroke survivor eventually got back the ability to control his left and right hands.
Credits to Fremont Tribune