One day I put on all my volunteer badges and felt like I was wearing medals! There was my Blood Bank name badge, SCOP identification, Clerk for Teen Court, volunteer for the art gallery, RSVP pin and others.

One of my favorite volunteer opportunities does not have a badge to go with it-it has a dog. Some people love to have a visit with a dog. It brings back pleasant memories, maybe as far back as childhood.

My golden retriever Buddy was a favorite with the residents of the convalescent hospital. She was exactly the right height to reach from a wheel chair, and her sweet disposition and smiley face invited hands to stroke her silky fur. She was patient and gave her full attention.

When Buddy went where good dogs go when they die, I found another dog to rescue. This one is different. I call her Dido, after the Greek goddess of mischief. She is tall and sleek and boisterous.

One day at the hospital, Dido went to a resident who was silent and drooping in his wheel chair. She laid her head on his lap and wagged all over. The man reached out both hands and stroked her ears. He leaned forward, and I felt the connection between them. When Dido moved on, he sank back in his chair with a relaxed look on his face.

Dido prances and looks everywhere. Her behavior brings chuckles and smiles. It is like watching a child-dogs instinctively know which people will welcome attention. Shy or frightened folks are not approached, and the wiggles and squeaks are there for the invitation.

My 89-year-old mother is a resident in a care home. It is furnished with all the comforts plus a tank of beautiful fish, an active bird and a springer spaniel. Mom loves the animals. She enjoys Dido, too. Dido has a habit of sniffing Mom's lap looking for crumbs. Animals seem to relieve stress for the residents and add interest to the home.

Taking my dog for visits to homebound and hospitalized people is welcomed by care givers. It does not take much time, and since my dog is always in the car when I am, I can stop for those short times between other volunteer involvements.

Try it, you'll like it. Check first with the facility-some places have a set day for animal visits.

Sharon McKinney volunteers in Crescent City. Her e-mail is sjmck@earthlink.net