Last evening Sam was scheduled for his semi-annual re-evaluation to continue participation in the pet therapy program at Lutheran Hospital. Pets in the program receive a general health check as well as an evaluation as to suitability to participate. As I prepared the paperwork questionnaire, the Knucklehead could sense sometime beyond the usual evening routine was afoot. It’s always impressive to watch dogs intuition play out and he dashed from the back door to the garage in happy bounces. He sailed into the back seat and readied himself for the adventure.
We arrived at the volunteer office located on the south end of the main hospital building. This entrance is generally locked after hours which is no problem as my badge will provide access. We were greeted by a hospital volunteer who was stationed there for those who neglected to bring their badge with them. We’ve encountered Dave many times in various locations throughout the hospital. He always has a warm grin but especially when he sees the dogs coming. Sam adores him and immediately leaned in against his leg for a good ear scratch.
While we waited, a couple of volunteers came by to sign out. One was a high schooler who was super delighted to visit with Sam after his evening shift. Sam’s tail went into overdrive. Once they left, I reflected how well Sam connects with everyone he encounters and my heart swelled with pride with this sweet pup. When our number came up, we went in to visit with Dr. Diana Roberts, one of the volunteer vets who donates her time supporting our program. We hadn’t seen Dr. Roberts at our last two evals and were thrilled to see her again.
Sam adores Dr. R and not just because she provides scrumptious treats. She’s beyond kind, smiles a lot and has a soothing touch, all ‘wagnificent’ qualities for a vet. Sam passed this latest eval with flying colors and then we spent several minutes joking about his knuckleheaded-ness. Ok, maybe that was just me. They just laughed at my stories. The volunteer who coordinates all of the evaluations ribs me when I say Sam is a knucklehead and then, naturally he does something that proves it and we all laugh; but a sweeter dog would be difficult to find. This photo, taken just before we left for the evaluation, seems to underscore that sweetness.
We’re looking forward to our visits later this month and during this month of thankfulness, I find how truly grateful I am for this amazing dog and for the pet therapy program where he can bring smiles to others.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Oh Sam you and your mom make my heart smile with your therapy work.
Aw shucks. You are making us both blush. Thank you!
Ahhh, Sam is an angel. What a cutie too
Aww, thanks! Yes, he is an angel. Most of the time. The rest of the time he’s your typical Poodle Knucklehead. Thanks for swinging by our Ranch. We ❤️ visitors.
Wooooof
😍
Aww, thanks for the link.
Good job Sam! We are thankful that you can continue your special work and we are thankful for special friends like you that are always their to lend support. We very much appreciated your thoughtful card
hugs
Hazel, Mabel & Mom
You’re most welcome. We’re thinking of you all.
You two do amazing work! I hope you can continue for a long time. Sam is so handsome.
Many thanks for the kind words. I love that Sam is so good at making peeps smile.
We love you, Sam, even if you are a knucklehead. After all, Ducky’s a knucklehead, too, and we adore her.
Three cheers for Knuckleheads! BOL
You might not be a cat, Sam … but we think you are perfection!
Aww, thank you! 😍
Sam is such a handsome dawg. You two bring alot of happiness to folks.
Jean
Thanks. I’m sure no one knows me but they never forget Sam.
Congrats to Sam AND to you!!! Behind every great dog is a wonderful human who provides all the love and care he/she needs.
Woos – Lightning, Misty, and Timber
Behind every great therapy dog is a driver! BOL
Yay Sam! We are so proud of your passing with flying colors. (We never doubted it) I know you had the vet swooning with your cuteness. My niece and her hubby just adopted a 2-year-old poodle and is madly in love.
Sam is definitely a very special boy. ♥
What a sweetheart…how could Sam not pass with flying colors? <3
The sweetest knucklehead around. BOL
The job I want is to be a therapy parrot in the Christian Science Hospital.
Nothing to do.
I’m sure they could find something for you. 👍🏻
There’s no more endearing quality in a doggie than knuckleheadedness. You’ve got it, buddy!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
In double spades ♠️
Sam is, of course, a superstar and I’m not at all surprised that he passed his assessment but I think Sam would be the first to agree, that it’s a joint effort. Still, well done Sam, ( and mama) well done!!
thanks so much for the kind words. We do a pretty good joint effort in teamwork. 🤝
Bringing smiles on those visits must make you feel good. Evidently your dog sure enjoys it. 🙂
Indeed he does. And provides oodles of smiles.
I sure can tell that Sam loves Dr.R and I can see why! The little I could see of her, she looks like fun! Oh and I am not surprised one bit that Sam passed with flying colors!
She’s a total sweetheart. Just like that Knucklehead. 😍
Knucklehead? Well, I know he has his goofy act down pat but he’s really much smarter than a whole lot of people I could point to…especially on election day. 🙂
Truer words were never spoken…on election day or any other day frankly. 😇
Well dun Sam!!! You surelee ROCK!! Lookin handsum inn your orangey kerchief too!
**paw patss** BellaDharma
Thanks, sweet kitty. Orange does work well on me furs. 😍
Keep up the good work! <3
Thanks, I’ll do my best.
Your fur-iend,
Sam🐾
Way to go Sam!! And the picture of you is Pawfect!!
Why thank you! I tried very hard to pose just right for my mama. Usually I look away right when she snaps the camera…heh, heh. But I was a good dog yesterday.
Your fur-iend,
Sam 🐾
He really does look like a true sweetie!
In all the years I’ve owned dogs (and that’s been a very long time), he is without a doubt, the absolute sweetest. Goofy as all get-out, but no one comes close to his level of sweetness.
Cheers to the joys the Knucklehead brings to the ones she visits.
Thanks, tail wags sent right back atcha.
Congrats Sam! We are so glad you will be continuing your very important work, and are so grateful to both you and your Mama for all you do!
xoxo,
Rosy, Jakey & Arty
Thanks! It’s not really work when I get all that wonderful attention. BOL
There’s a bird saying, “Knuckleheads of a feather flock together”.
Boy ain’t that the truth!
Good for you to pass with flying colors, Sam. Such a happy post too. I linked this post to Happy Tuesday.
Have a woof woof day. My best to your mom. ♥
In the words of Elvis Presley, why thank you, thank you very much. 🎸
It is amazing how much therapy dogs can help patients of all ages. Sam is truly special.
Dogs seem to have a 6th sense when it comes to humans. It’s quite remarkable.
She would have seen Milo as a blur, altho he has his super sweet time too. Self control is not his forte, yet Sam seems to be made for this work. Was he always this way since you got him?
He was a maniac the first several years. But always, always sweet as pie.
The world needs more knuckleheads like Sam!
I think so too❣️ We’d all be better off with more like him.
He is one very special dog …. and I bet he knows it! 🙂
Colin, he just is…himself. No airs, just a genuine spirit who loves people.
🙂
As I’ve said before, Sam is an amazing dog who is in touch with his ability to make folks feel better. Without you, that ability would not have been nurtured, and he would never have had the chance to share this gift with those who need it. So here’s a big thanks to both of you.
Thank you for the kind words. I personally think he knows who needs him, I just provide the opportunity for him to shine with them.
Exactly!
It’s a wonderful program and Sam is perfect for it. I think the ad says they are looking for knuckleheads that are kind to people! 🙂
He really is ‘pawfect’ for the program but especially for me. 💗
we are grateful too that you can do little miracles for those who have hard times to stand… and we are glad to know Sam… he is amazing… ;O)))
{blush, blush} Sam is the one who really does all the work. I just drive him to it.
there is always a mama behind every superstar ;O)))
😍