Sam here. We went to the hospital and hospice this week and were joined by someone who was able to came along on visits with us. Normally, pet therapy teams operate alone so this was a great treat for me to have someone else by my side all day. Our new fur-iend Sandy, is joining our merry little band of volunteers at Pet Therapy. We were asked to have her shadow our visits to see what it is we actually do. Once again I did the work with patients and staff mom just drives me and holds the leash. She seems to be a weak link in this ‘pawtnership,’ but that’s a subject for another time. We arrived early and waited in the hospital lobby to meet Sandy and I got to spend loads of time schmoozing with a number of volunteers and visitors. I didn’t get my normal lengthy meandering in the morning because mom had this weird idea I needed a bath and to have my furs trimmed so I didn’t cooperate too much. Let me just say I AM NOT a fan of that process and absolutely despise having my feet furs trimmed!
Any who…yesterday was a super busy day at the hospital and fortunately I had plenty of pogo-sticking in me plenty of energy to spare for everyone. There were lots of comings and goings with people everywhere. I met the nicest man being discharged who was so excited to be going home to his own pup that he had been missing. He was willing to give me nice ear scratches so I wagged my tail for him and looked deeply into his eyes. He smiled and praised me for stopping to say hello. What…are you kidding, it’s what I do best! Saying hello is my middle name. Then we went up to the Senior Behavioral Health Unit and I was lucky enough to meet Phil who loved me from the first second our eyes met. He walked down a long hallway just to greet me and I felt the same and enjoyed his sweet smile, twinkly eyes and the stories he told. Usually there are more women at the unit so it was a welcomed change of pace that we were able to visit with a number of fellas this time. We never know what to expect on that floor but it turned out to be a great day for visits and Sandy enjoyed it as much as I did. Phil was a real special upright who has an amazing ability to connect with animals. Those kinds of people always make me feel extra special. The staff was super excited to see me perform my one and only trick, licking my chops on command. First I do one side, then mom asks me to lick the other side so I do it (I mean, how hard it that?). Then she tells me to do it again while holding on to an extra special treat so ‘natch’ I do it. I’ll do just about anything for those Zuke’s treats. We play this one side/other side licking of chops to the delight of everyone. No one seems disappointed it’s the only trick I do. I mean seriously even cats can shake paws, so why would I do something that easy? Why is it uprights think dogs want to shake hands with them anyway? Eew…they touched my feet – gah!!!
Sandy’s pup is a 2-1/2 year old Golden Retriever named Captain. No doubt he will command the pawfect ship once he officially passes the remaining requirements. Sandy told me he’s super smart and so well-behaved with loads of energy. With her husband, the 3 of them will bring smiles and comfort to patients, staff and visitors alike. And she hopes to meet as many terrific people as we did.
Trust me, it was a very long day with lots of people to visit and chat with for a few hours, far more than usual for me. After we finished up, I was completely wiped out. I didn’t even eat dinner I was so tired. Being a therapy dog can be hard work but I completely love it. Keep your paws crossed I get to see Sandy again and get to meet her Captain soon! We wish them the best of luck as they begin their own comforting work in pet therapy.
Live, love, bark! <3
Love what Sam and you are doing for people in hospice. Hats off ☺
Thank you!
I just love what you guys do, it must be SO comforting to someone who is away from home and missing their own babies. Bless you for sharing your love with them.
Thanks Jodi. Sam does all the work, I just drive 😌
Sam, you do an important job and sounds like you are amazing at it! Even though it is hard, tiring work. Keep it up. I know your rewards are worth every second!
Thanks, we do love it!
Sandy sounds like a really nice person. I hope everything works out well with her and the Captain. You did have a long and busy day Sam meeting some lovely and interesting people. – no wonder you were exhausted at the end of it.
She will be a great addition to the program.
That is a very much impawtent job and to be a mentor is even more impawtent! No wonder you were pooped!
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Therapy is intense but rewarding work.
Thank you for doing what you do, I miss my therapy work
It’s amazing and intense work but we live it too.
You do a wonderful job, Sam: kudos to you! 🙂
Have a great weekend,
Pit
Thanks Bacon! Winter crept back, it’s gonna be a wet one. Stay safe and warm!
Is there such a thing as a therapy parrot?
If there is, you’d make a terrific one, Kismet!
Sam my buddy – you are awesome and your job is so important. I’m so proud of you. Kudo’s!! XOXO – Bacon
Thanks, Bacon. That means a lot to me. ღ
Sam, you do good work
Too tired to eat dinner????? I cannot imagine. Woof! Ray.
I know! Hard to believe, huh?
Wow! It must be really hard doing therapy stuff but then, I get really tired just keeping my humans in line. In between walking, eating and keeping my eyes on them… the rest of my time is chilling out! I think I understand! Woof! Ray
As the real worker on this team, all that emotional stuff ends up on my furry shoulders and I have to sleep for hours to regroup. Luckily I’m back to my pogo sticking ways today after another intense session yesterday. The snow/rain also makes me frisky. 😉
I love hearing from Sam and his perspective on the therapy work!
🙂 Happy weekend. Stay safe and warm.
Love. It. So. Much. ❤️
Thanks, Bonnie! Have a fab Friday. ღ
Sounds like a perfect day of therapy! So glad you could connect with so many Sam! Good luck to Sandy and Captain! Have a great Friday!
Here’s to a fab Friday to you and the gang, Marty! ღ
Therapy work is so much fun. It sounds like you did a great job, S. That mouth licking trick is hilarious! Once Mom and I helped train a new team with a big hound dog named Gracie, now Gracie and I work together often. People call us the big one and the little one.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
I’d love to see a photo of the two of you working together, Cupcake. Bet you’re quite the pair!
I had some tears in my eyes as I read about the man who was so happy to go home and to see his dog… That are the true stories of life and it is great to read them :o)
It makes our heart swell with happiness, too, Easy. We love happy endings! ღ