A precious lullaby

“After my divorce, I adopted a golden retriever puppy named Delilah. I loved her companionship, kisses and cuddles, but she had a hard time at night sleeping in a new place. Nothing soothed her anxiety, until I tried sitting at the piano in the living room, playing lullabies until she drifted off to sleep. It was a ritual that never failed. After a few weeks, she settled into her new home and I stopped my evening concerts.

“About a year later, I was laid off from my job and fell into a depression. Worried and unable to sleep, I sank down onto the sofa, battling a rush of tears. Suddenly, I startled as I heard the piano. I looked over at Delilah standing on her hind legs by the piano, hitting the keys with her nose. The notes were flat and clumsy, but it was the most comforting song in the world, a lullaby straight from her heart.

“Deeply touched, I gave her a hug and we went off to bed. From that night on, I slept soundly, knowing I’d be okay and could overcome anything with my best friend by my side.” —Madeline Stanley, 65, Lincoln, NE