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
It’s wonderful you can bring that kind of comfort to folks.
It was a hit, I will have to remember that for this fall with the kids.
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.
Sam, you’re a better dog than I. Hugs make me feel trapped even when Momma does it. Good going bud! Cole via his secretary
Doing therapy work like that must be so rewarding.
Beyond anything I could have imagined.
Way to go Sam☺ Can imagine how happy the patients would have been
You are making people smile, Sam! What a gift you give to everyone around you.
Good job, Sam! It’s always the besties when you can make someone smile 🙂
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.
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. 🙂
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. 🙂
Total endorphin releasing bank!
It would be wonderful to be able to give so much to those who are hurting!
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
I’d do it myself, but I don’t think the patients would appreciate bird poop on the head.
What an awesome story. Sam must make you so proud (even when he’s plotting sandwich robberies)
Yeah, that nose keeps getting him into all sorts of mischief!
Great story and the next step is to teach Sam to yodel America the Beautiful. He’s got the talent!
Great idea; he seems to have the first part down. “Oh-roo-tiful for spacious skies… ♫♪♫♪ 😉
I can just imagine how delighted all the patients are to see Sam. It must be very rewarding work! Glad it all went well!
It truly is beyond anything I ever expected. 🙂