Hospital Howlidays

IMG_1918 Even though it was a few days before July 4th, I didn’t get a chance to share our adventures last weekend when we had shifts. Sam brought the same red, white and blue spirit to hospice and hospital as he does every time we go. When we went into the gift shop to say hello to the volunteer high school girls he loves so much, I spied a battery operated necklace that would show off Sam’s ‘howliday’ spirit. Everyone seemed to love it especially when Sam cast a handsome pose my patriotic buddy in the lobby, all lit up.

A young woman came down from visiting her mom while Sam was posing and asked if we wouldn’t mind dropping in to say hi to her folks-she thought they’d both enjoy the visit. Of course, I said and we went up to her room; sure enough she was right. The mom and dad very much enjoyed Sam’s visit (even though he seemed pretty interested in the dad’s roast beef sandwich-oye that dog!). Then we went off to our assigned floor to visit the short-term behavioral patients. When we arrived, “Mary,” was one of the patients who instantly captivated with Sam. He patiently allowed her to hug him repeatedly around the neck while she practically squealed with delight. Both her and the therapists kept saying how calm and sweet he was to allow all that neck-hugging attention. It’s always rewarding when we can put a smile on a patient’s face and make their day a little bit brighter for them, both literally and figuratively. The light-up necklace was a huge success. 🙂

Live, love, bark! <3

21 thoughts on “Hospital Howlidays

  1. My Golden Life – Upstate South Carolina – I love animals, especially dogs. I enjoy US history, and reading biographies of our former presidents and other historical figures. I love the music of the '60s and '70s since I was growing up in those decades. I love the Beatles and Andy Williams equally.
    My Golden Life says:

    Callie will tolerate hugs, too; but Shadow shies away from them. Her doggie mama taught her to be respectful of other dogs’ spaces and she demands that the same respect be given to her. But she will occasionally let me hug her — but ONLY me. Ducky will hug my neck when I pick her up.

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Beyond anything I could have imagined.

  2. noodle4president – I was a discarded, lost little stray without a house or a family...until my mom found me. Now, I am the happiest, most loved dog in the whole world!
    noodle4president says:

    Good job, Sam! It’s always the besties when you can make someone smile 🙂

  3. No one wants to be in the hospital when everyone else is celebrating. It’s great that you and Sam brought some holiday spirit with you.

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      With my kids out of state these days we’re happy to do ‘howliday’ weekends with patients. It’s a small thing but seems to brighten folks’ days. 🙂

  4. awww! That is wonderful! I just love when Sherman or Leroy can bring a smile to someone’s face! It’s so rewarding and actually makes me feel better too. 🙂

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Total endorphin releasing bank!

  5. Kismet – New River, Arizona. – I'm a 16 year old Indian Ringneck parrot curmudgeon in New River, Arizona in the wild west country. If you're a sunflower seed, you're dinner.
    Kismet says:

    I’d do it myself, but I don’t think the patients would appreciate bird poop on the head.

  6. What an awesome story. Sam must make you so proud (even when he’s plotting sandwich robberies)

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Yeah, that nose keeps getting him into all sorts of mischief!

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Great idea; he seems to have the first part down. “Oh-roo-tiful for spacious skies… ♫♪♫♪ 😉

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      It truly is beyond anything I ever expected. 🙂

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