Slate has an excerpt from a new book about a dog who is a hospice volunteer.

Was it smart, I found myself wondering, to bring along this dog, who’d spent most of the first four years of his life alone outdoors? But he looked all right, his ears and tail up, no signs of stress or anxiety. In fact, he seemed to be studying the room, looking carefully at me, at Jamie and Carol, seeking cues.

He cocked his head at me. “It’s OK, Iz,” I said. “Say hello.”

I’m somewhat familiar with dog therapy, and from what little I know, I believe it can be helpful in some cases. Some dogs seem to have a real sense of human sickness and suffering, and a unique way of keeping company. We had a cocker spaniel who seemed to have a bit of that ability.

If I were sick or dying, I think I would appreciate having a dog visit. But I’m a dog guy.

If you have a few minutes, take the time to read the entire excerpt. I’m looking forward to reading the book.

Here’s one of the classes listed for this Fall at church:

The Office, Lost, The Sopranos and the Old Testament: An ardent introduction to the Old Testament with an exploration of how society’s images and culture shape our understanding of the characters, stories and books of the Old Testament. This won’t be boring. Taught by Jeff Tabares. Class meets Sundays in the Music Room of the Education Building at 10:45 am.

Anyone in the Chicago area interested in attending, it’s Covenant Presbyterian (in Bucktown).

While I’m pretty tired of the current political season, these old ads fascinate me.