The following is an excerpt from Dr. Aristotle Economou's new book, Change The Way You Heal

As a young boy, I would sit in anticipation for the prime time television show series Lassie. For those of you that aren’t familiar with Lassie, he was a fictional Collie dog character that initially appeared in a novel, which was made into a feature film Lassie Come Home (starring Roddy McDowell and Elizabeth Taylor). Lassie’s trusted owner was a little boy named Timmie. Lassie would always be there for him or anyone else in need of help. Lassie was truly a trusted canine companion.

One morning while in my hospital bed staring at a wall, really feeling down and depressed, I noticed a large dog walking pass my door! At first I thought I was hallucinating. But after a few minutes passed there he was again with a woman holding his leash. Immediately I felt that same warm feeling I used to get while watching Lassie on television or even the many times I had spent with my own dogs over the years. The short silver grey hair dog stood very tall in the doorway of my room. He looked like a Great Dane. His owner, a kind lady holding the leash, asked me if they could come into my room and visit me. I replied; “absolutely!”

As this very tall dog approached my bedside, I anticipated meeting a new friend as he placed his big furry head on my bed. I was unable to move my arms but my hands were at my side and I was able to pivot my hand at the wrist and glide it over his head. As I did this, he had a very casual look on his face as our eyes connected. It was a look of expectancy, so simple as if he wanted to say to me that I have nothing to worry about, this health condition will pass.

I sensed he could feel my frustration, worry and all the other emotions that go along with severe illness. I have no idea why I had this interpretation but I am grateful for that visit and the fact that Mother Nature made arrangements for this "therapy dog" to visit and, as a bonus, would be tall enough to reach me as I lay in my bed.

That experience touched my spirit with an unconditional love that pets share with many of us on a regular basis. I felt an inner peace and calm while petting him.