Adventures at West Pines

~ Tails Around the Ranch

You may remember that we were able to get a double shift at West Pines this month and mom thought you might want to know how we did on our last visit just before she went on vacation. Sam here. I am only to happy to share our adventures and happy to report I made some peeps pretty happy, if I do say so myself.

Visiting with staff and patients always make for good experiences and this trip was no exception. When we visit the various groups in their recovery process at West Pines I especially love going to the art room where everyone is gathered in a circle. There is always a large container of coloring markers in the center of the circle which I promptly knock over, without fail. In my defense, I MUST inspect everything to make sure (a) there are no hidden crumbs (these guys love to snack) and (b) make sure it’s all safe for the residents.  Mom thinks I’m just a klutz but it’s my routine game plan because it always embarrasses her and makes everyone else giggle. Win-win!

Reporting for Duty

And on this day’s visit, there were more than enough patients to visit. Usually when I sashay into a room, all the girls ooh-and-aww which automatically makes my tail wag. I just can’t help myself. Mom thinks I’m vain but I genuinely love people, especially when they say the magic word…”awwww.” So everyone wanted to pet me and kept asking me to come over to receive petting. Naturally I obliged. It’s a hard job, but somebody’s gotta do it, right? There was one girl I could tell really wanted me to swing by but she never said anything and kind of receded in the background. The others kept positioning themselves in front of me or next to me. One guy even got down on the floor so he could have me all to himself. Talk about being in hog heaven, yes I was…thank you very much.

I then came to my senses and realized someone was missing. The quiet girl. So after I visited with everyone else in the room, I trotted up to her and laid my head in her lap. Everyone couldn’t believe it. The woman who accompanies us to the various sites on campus squealed, “Oh my gosh, look at that! How adorable.” Pfft…it’s not like I’m not a pro, Miss Donna. I know what needs to be done and I could tell this girl needed me. I just had to take care of all the others. This quiet girl grinned from ear to ear and rubbed my ears just the way I like it. We both enjoyed it and I was able to bring a few moments of joy to someone who needed it. Mom was so proud of me at being able to recognize the need and Miss Donna bragged about it to other instructors. All in all it was a great day at West Pines and should be again later today when I go back. Paws crossed we have as good a time.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

42 thoughts on “Adventures at West Pines”

    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:

      Wow, that’s very kind of you to say Benji. I know you’re an ace therapist yourself. 😍

      Reply
        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:

          Sam seems to enjoy West Pines the most. He has a real knack for connecting with those suffering from addiction and mental health issues.

          Reply
  2. Sand Spring Chesapeakes – Cambria, WI – My husband and I have six "furry" children Gambler, Glory, Guilty, Slammer, Gertie and one cat Bones and two furangel's Norman and Nellie. We breed Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. We are both avid hunters. We also enjoy competing with our dogs in hunt tests and field trials. That is where you can find us during the trial months which are April-September. When were not at a trial we are busy training our dogs. We go snow goose hunting in Canada each year and do all the hunting that Wisconsin offers.
    Sand Spring Chesapeakes says:

    It’s an amazing gift animals have to know just what is needed when!

    Reply
    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:

      I am in awe every time we do a shift.

      Reply
    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’s my mission to make a difference for peeps.

      Reply

  4. Mee-you yur dog-gone brilliant Sam!!! Takin thee time with ‘quiet gurl’….bet shee will nevurr furget that!
    An you look so noble an ree-gal inn yur harness inn thee foto!
    ***Hi-5’sss*** Siddhartha Henry =^,.^=

    Reply
    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:

      Thanks Henry. Mom told me to ‘strike a pose’ so I did my best Madonna imitation.

      Reply
  5. Aquileana – Argentina. Buenos Aires. – 🌟The Visible World is Just a Pretext 🌟 Greek Mythology, Philosophy, Literature, Sociology, Psychoanalysis, Poetry... Posts in English and Spanish. ||⚠||
    Aquileana says:

    What a lovely story … and how nice to learn that you are helping people going through recovery processes. It is said that animals (dogs especially) can really make a difference in that sense. I can see why everyone likes Sam, by the way <3 Love & best wishes 🙂

    Reply
    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:

      Many thanks for the kind words. Sam seems to really connect with some of these folks in a deep way. Hugs and tail wags to you. 💖

      Reply
    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:

      Thanks, Olivia. It’s super rewarding to bring a moment of peace to someone who is troubled.

      Reply
    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:

      Thank you! Mom thinks I’m a professional knucklehead.

      Reply

  8. Oh Sam, you are the bestest!!!! I thinks that you ‘knock over the markers’ just to lets everyone KNOW you are in da’ HOUSE! And, I am not at all surprised that you knew just what to do for that sweet gurl….cause you gots a furry heart of GOLD!
    HIGH PAW to you and your Moms! ♥
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

    Reply
    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:

      Aww, thanks, Ruby. You’re too kind.

      Reply

  10. I’ve always been shy … except around animals!

    Reply
    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:

      They never judge and for the shy and introverted, that can be a big deal.

      Reply
  11. edgar62 – Semi-retired in South Australia. Interests are Music (Andre Rieu, Anna Netrebko) Reading (SciFi / Crime) and History Movies: The Day After Tomorrow, Casablanca, The Man Who Would be King Community: Secretary Support group, Royal Flying Doctor Service.
    edgar62 says:

    Brilliant report, Sam. You did great, and as for ear and head scratches – well what’s not to love. I am glad you got to go over to the shy girl and bring her some joy. You are right – it was definitely a win-win. You are certainly a pro. no doubt about that. It is currently 04:35 in the arid lands and it has been pouring for the last two hours. The thunder crashed and the lightening flashed and we have hard and welcome rain. The noise woke me up and Benji is just a tad “fragile”. Take care and well done.

    Reply
    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:

      Rain? Oh yeah. That’s good news I’m guessing even if it scares Benji. Winter stopped by today. It’s in the upper 30’s today with a rain/snow mix but will be back to spring again tomorrow. We still hope for one or two big storms before the heat starts. Paws crossed.

      Reply
  12. Dakota/Caren/Cody – Michigan – Freelance writer, pet blogging professional, product influencer, half of the writing team behind Dakota's Den and "Cat Chat With Cody & Caren" Most importantly, I am a "pet mom" to Dakota, (Shetland Sheepdog) and Cody (my silver gray tabby!)
    Dakota/Caren/Cody says:

    Oh Sam you ARE a pro! Why didn’t Donna realize that? YOU make my HEART SMILE!!!!! xoxo
    DakotasDen

    Reply
    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:

      I know, I asked mom that very question. Poodle kisses to you!

      Reply
  13. 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:

    Awwwww! Now come and give ME a kiss! Maybe you are a little bit vain, but who cares?! Certainly not all your friends at West Pines! I’m proud of you Sam – and I know your Mom is too, even if she does tease you about it!

    Reply
    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:

      Mwah. 😘 Er…maybe slurp is more accurate.
      Your fur-iend,
      Sam🐾

      Reply
      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:

        ❤️💗🐶

        Reply
  14. Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections – Cincinnati Ohio area – A baby boomer living in Ohio with a variety of interests ranging from sports, wine, ballroom dance, food, education, politics, religion, and whatever comes to mind. After 11+ years at A Frank Angle, a new blog is open. With Beach Walk Reflections, Frank shares his reflective thoughts while walking on the beach. Come on over for a relaxing, thought-provoking walk. https://beachwalkreflections.wordpress.com/
    aFrankAngle says:

    Such a rough, painful ordeal you endured.

    Reply
    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:

      Somebody’s got to do it. 😊

      Reply

  15. As others said, that skill is a true mark of a genuine therapy dog. I do believe therapy dogs are born, not made.

    Reply
  16. 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:

    So who is taking care of East Pines?

    Reply
    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:

      😉 Leave it to you, Kismet.

      Reply
    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:

      He really does have a knack for picking the person who needs him the most.

      Reply
    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:

      Sam does the work, I just drive him. 😇

      Reply

  19. Awh!! You are too sweet! Way to go in making that quiet girl smile! Good for you, your Mom has every right to be proud. 🙂
    Keep doing your thing, even when it includes knocking over the markers. 🙂

    Reply
    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:

      That skill is one of my specialities. If I didn’t do it, they’d think something was wrong with me. BOL

      Reply

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