How much is that doggy in the window? Ya know, the one with the waggly tail? I always thought of this as a silly children's song, until I started seeing hospice patients. Don't get me wrong, it is pretty silly, but I have come to realize the love people have for this song. It's as if when this song was played, everyone would turn up their radios and sing (or bark!) at the top of their lungs.

One day, I was playing for a lady who was having a lot of pain. She was trying to relax, and I was working her down, and I played this song. I knew how much she enjoyed it, but was surprised to see her add in the bark right at the appropriate time, even though it appeared as though she was sleeping. We shared a laugh, and I knew at that moment she was not focusing on any of her pain.

Another time, I played this song with a lady while everyone was starting to come into the dining hall. It doesn't seem to matter whether the person is 100 or 75, they know this song. Everyone was smiling and singing along, adding the barking, and having a great time. What is with this song? If only I could have lived back when it was released, so I could fully understand.

This brings me to my next thought. What will the song of my generation be? The one where everyone in the nursing home will flock to the music therapist and sing along with such happiness. I have discussed this with my colleagues and we haven't come to a conclusion. Will everyone have the same love for a Britney Spears song or perhaps Baby Got Back? Or will it still be, to my amazement, "How Much is that Doggy in the Window?"

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