Sam here. This past weekend mom took me to the annual awards ceremony for pet therapy volunteers. This is where all my pals and their pawrents get together to snack on food, catch up since the last time they saw each other and congratulate everyone on all the hours and visits for the entire team. This year’s turnout was lighter than in past years, guess it’s harder to schedule a get-together sometimes since some people were wrapping up vacations and out of town travel before school starts but those of us who were there still had a good time.
Looks like mom’s driving me to the hospital has paid off, I had 59 visits and received a ‘bronze paw’ for more than 50 visits. Woof, woof! Thanks, mom.
This year we are all sad because our favorite toy poodle, Teddy is leaving the program. Teddy is moving nearly 150 miles away and we’re all going to miss this sweet little boy and his biped, Mary Ann. She gave me lots of ear scratches and Teddy loves mom’s homemade treats, so we made them some to take along for the drive to their new home. I helped in the kitchen by laying in the way when mom tried to pull them out of the oven. It’s important for me to supervise the making of treats-I have to put my paw of approval on all of them before they go to anyone. Nom, nom. This batch was A-OK.
Here is our own Ms. Lilly with her mom Roxanne. Lilly is a greyhound who has over 600 visits-more than any other dog in our program. A retired racer, Lilly has been with the program for a number of years. She’s a real sweetie and a great ambassador for pet therapy and greyhound rescue.
My fur-iend and fellow Standard Poodle, Zeva and her mom Sharon, had more than 100 visits. There are loads of pawsome pets who bring happiness and joy to patients, staff and visitors alike. They are such a terrific group of dogs with some of the most adorable faces. Can you see why the patients love these guys? Don’t you just want to hug them?
What exciting things did you guys do over the weekend?
Live, love, bark! <3
you hang with a nice group of doggies Sam
Leeanna and Cole
Awww…congrats Sam in your bronze paw…Big hugs
Thanks so much.
Congratulations on your bronze paw Sam! What lovely friends you have and just so you know, we snoopervise mom in the kitchen too.
Wally & Sammy
Yeah, what is that all about…that snoopervising in small spaces, guys? 😉 Never fails with Sam to be under foot in the tiniest room of the house when I’m there! BOL
congrats on 59 visits that is awesome and you made some people very happy
Well done on the special award!… Thanks for sharing this lovely pics as well! Very nice!. All my best wishes. Aquileana :star:
Many thanks. We have some amazing volunteers, 2 and 4 legged! 🙂
This is a collection of absolutely irresistible dog faces! They individually and collectively must bring so much joy and respite by their presence among folks not feeling well. Congratulations to the muppet for hi exemplary service – I got to say I love that trophy with the paw print. As for Ms. Lilly’s 600 visits, what can I say but WOW!
Yeah, Ms. Lilly has a tad more visits under her belt than Sam does but he think’s he can make a run at her. She’ll no doubt leave him in a cloud of dust, since those 40 mph couch potatoes know what they’re doing! 🙂
Sam, you look so proud with your medal…congrats to you and your mom!
Thank you; he loves being with all the dogs and handlers at these events. The dog is shameless. 😉
They’re all so cute!
Congrats on your award! That is something to be very proud of!
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
aaww Congrats my sweet friend. What an awesome award and to all of the peeps that participate – way to go!! XOXO – Bacon
Congrats on the bronze paw, Sammy! Well done! Love to hear about the greyhounds…I’d always thought they would make fantastic therapy dogs 🙂
Thanks, Auntie Sara. There are several greyhounds in the program; they are super and everyone loves them! Ms. Lilly’s mom helps run a greyhound rescue group in her ‘spare’ time.
Ummm, I’m certain that it’s because you’re humble and didn’t mention them but what awards did you win? What do they call them (“Poochies”)?
Poochies-I like that. If there were Oscar type awards, Sam would definitely take home the one for best actor award. 😉
Sam looks quite proud, and rightly so. Well done!
Congratulations Sam (and Monika)! What a fabulous accomplishment. All those visits bringing a smile and love to those who need it most!
Thanks so much, Nat. Sam really does all the work, I just drive him. 😉
Hey I see a Sheltie there too!! Woooo hooo!! Sam you rock!! Congrats on 59 visits and your bronze paw’ for more than 50 visits!!
I am sorry about your friend moving away but with your great personality, I am sure you will make more furiends! Barks and licks and love, Dakota
Thank you. Bismark and Akira made me think of you! Teddy and Mary Ann are special people and I will stay in touch with them even if they are far away. You can’t let those kind of folks drop out of your life! 🙂
Go Sam! Dude, you are unstoppable – congratulations! Tell your mama she’s totally rad too. 🙂
Thank you, he makes me look good even when we all know I just do the driving. 😉
It’s sad that Teddy moved, but maybe there is a hospital near his new home too where he can visit the people with his mom? I bow my head Sam, you and all your furfriends who bring joy to the people of a hospital or of a veterans home are heroes…. BRAVO!
Yes, they are contacting the local hospital to continue their excellent work. They are a terrific team and get as much back as they give. 🙂