Zoom Visits

March 3, 2020 was the last time that we visited the people that I love at Eagle Crest North. If I would have known that this would be the last visit for the year, I would have begged my Mom to stay twice as long. During that last day, the kind folks gathered in the common area as usual to shower me with all kinds of attention, questions,  and love. I miss them. I wonder how they are doing. I worry if they have avoided this thing called COVID 19! I bet that the treats they store for me are getting stale. 

 

Since then, we have been able to do something called virtual visits using technology called Zoom. I certainly know about Zooming, because I am a dog and we zoom    scoot all of the time, especially when we are in a playful mood. However, I discovered that my Mom did not mean that I should be zoomming around the house when we are scheduled to virtually Zoom. I quickly discovered that Zoom meant that I was going back to work. I found myself putting on my therapy scarf and doing what I do so well. I was able to visit those people I love again. I am able to spread my love again in a different way. I was able to see them and hear them but not smell them or feel their touch or eat their treats.

 

This thing called Zoom is not the same as a site visit but it is a consolation at this time. It helps cheer up my people, and as a result, helps cheer us up too. I am able to share my agility videos with them along with the company of my two other fur sisters (Haylie and Ella). They think that I am the best agility dog in the world when in fact I am just a beginner. We have been able to teach other therapy dogs and their handlers how to do this type of visit. We like to mentor and build more relationships with others who enjoy dog therapy. There is always goodness that stems from bad situations. One must exercise patience to see it. For now, it is the new normal, and this is all we can do. We must keep this population of people safe, yet help them to know that they are still in our minds and on our hearts. 💖

 

Gratitude

Making Valentines

I sure missed the people that I love at the nursing home recently because my family decided to take a vacation to Florida during the month of December. I rely upon them to drive me to my work and if they cannot get me there, I cannot work. My theme for this day is gratitude. I realize how much my people need me and how much I need them. I can understand the meaning behind "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

B was so distressed when we arrive. However, after listening to her and pointing out some things , she was much happier when we left. G is a person who raised sheep. She has several sheep figurines spread throughout her apartment. We were able to water her dry plants and help her to forget about the cast on her arm. She is mindful of offering me some water. M is a very friendly and talkative 91 year old woman. She grabs my face and kisses me several times. She uses a walker and has beautiful skin. She told my mom that her secret is putting something called Vaseline on her face every night. D loves the history channel and is ready and willing to share her popcorn with me. She watches Oak Island and tells us all about the lost treasure on that island. My favorite unit is memory care. We sweep through the memory care unit and visit the wine drinking people, B, B, F, F, and B. They are always at the tables in the meeting room waiting for me and never tire of  expressing  their love for me. They tell my mom several times that if they could have a dog live with them it would be me. It melts my heart to know that many live in chronic pain yet they are all so happy with their stage in life.

Gratefulness

Most people thank us for our service. They love these moments that we spend with them listening to what they have to say. I know two things for sure: they love dogs and they love where they live. They all know that they have lived good lives. They do not express any regrets. The only thing that many would change is to have me live with them. This reinforces what I do. They are so grateful for therapy dog visits and have clearly stated that it makes them so happy. The truth is that this happiness and gratefulness is reciprocated. Isn't this what life is about?

My mom tells me that we will begin mentoring other therapy dogs. I am not sure what that means but if mentorship can spread love and help to make more people happy, I am all for it. Welcome Robin and Henry. Our next visit will be with you alongside of us.