A sweet pup named Daffy

One furry companion enjoys life with two human families.

Over a dozen years, a little black and white Shih Tzu named Daffy lived in our neighborhood. Wayne and Shirley Norfolk were her first owners and we were honored to be her second.

Wayne and his wife Shirley were married 60 years. They did not have children, but they deeply loved their four-legged dog companions. Every morning and evening, we saw Mr. Norfolk walking his furry friend Daffy in the neighborhood. The dog paused at every driveway before moving on to the next, hoping for a neighbor to come outside and pet her, or give her a treat.

We not only saw Mr. Norfolk walk Daffy multiple times a day, but also we watched her run in the backyard since we shared a backyard fence with them. One day, Wayne spoke about how our family reminded him of his childhood neighbors in Maryland. His family lived behind the pastor's family which surprisingly had two daughters too. He said the pastor's two daughters were terrible, but quickly added "they were not like your daughters, though."

In 2014 Shirley died, and in October of 2016, Wayne was hospitalized. His niece called us and asked if we could keep Daffy until he returned home. We had recently lost our dog, Lady, and although it seemed too soon to welcome another dog into our home, we thought it was fine because her stay would be temporary or so we thought.

After Wayne's ten-day hospital stay, we learned about his terminal diagnosis and agreed to walk Daffy every morning and evening in the neighborhood. We visited him at his house and then later in the nursing home at the top of hill. Wayne noticed how fond Daffy was of our family and decided to give his beloved companion to our girls. It was hard for him to give Daffy up to the Virginia pastor's daughters, even if they weren't so terrible.

On Christmas Day, Daffy became our dog and a month later, we said goodbye to Wayne at a graveside service attended by his nieces, neighbors, and beloved, Daffy.

Over the last eight years, our family has enjoyed sharing life with Daffy. She was always up for a good time. She liked car rides, beach vacations, Salvation Army Bell ringing, Mother's Day celebrations, and Trunk or Treat events. She even attended church with us on the couch during the pandemic.

Since Daffy had two human families, it seems fitting to share a favorite story that includes the Norfolks and the Cranfords.

During Wayne's hospital stay, I invited the girls to visit Wayne with me and Daffy. Over the years, my girls had visited numerous members in the hospital. They were fine with visiting Wayne; however, eleven-year old River was unsure about Daffy tagging along. She asked, "Are dogs allowed at the hospital?"

I said, "Yes. Therapy dogs are allowed."

River replied, "Daffy is not a therapy dog. I will have no part in that."

I laughed and said, "Well, Haven and I will take Daffy."

Eventually, River changed her mind and she hopped into the backseat beside Haven and Daffy. We drove to Augusta Health Hospital and felt relieved to see a deserted parking lot. After I parked the car, we placed Daffy in an oversized silver bag and covered her with Haven's white baby blanket.

As we walked toward the hospital, the girls became nervous as they watched the hospital security guard circle around the parking lot in his vehicle. With a spring in our steps, we walked through the sliding glass doors and scooted by a vacant welcome desk with ease. We walked down an empty hallway with no one in sight. It really did seem that God had cleared the way that day for us to bring Daffy for a surprise visit.

We knocked on the door and heard Wayne say, "Come in."

We walked into the room. He was surprised to see us for a visit rather than a nurse checking his vitals. We closed the door behind us and shared our initial greetings. Then, I told Wayne we had brought someone to see him. He asked, "Who?"

The girls grinned as they pulled out Daffy from the silver bag. I had never seen Wayne so happy. He smiled from ear to ear. We placed Daffy on his hospital bed and she laid down beside him. As we chatted, we heard a knock at the door and everyone held their breath. A social worker slowly walked into the room. I watched River's whole body tense up and her eyes widen. Before we could say a word, Wayne looked at the social worker and calmly said, "Don't tell."

The woman realized this was his dog and as a dog lover herself, she said, "I won't tell a soul."

Our visit ended with a prayer. We formed a circle and held Wayne’s hands along with Daffy’s paws. Our exit was as seamless as our entrance. On a gorgeous Saturday morning, we left the hospital with no one noticing Daffy other than one joyful patient and one compassionate social worker. Thanks be to God!

In her book, Creating Moments of Joy by Jolene Brackey, she writes numerous stories and inspirational quotes from her fourteen years spent as an activities director. Brackley with her interior design background and love for older adults weaves tips on how to enhance physical spaces with peace and enhance conversations with joy. This little orange paperback book has reshaped my visitation ministry. Regardless of the place or circumstance, I observe each visit as an opportunity to create a moment of joy. Our joyful hospital visit with Wayne remains as one of my favorites.

We will miss, you Daffy. The neighborhood will not be the same without you.

Eight years spent with a sweet pup named Daffy.