Since starting my job as a therapy dog with Cypress HomeCare Solutions, I have learned a lot about the different things my older friends have to deal with. I feel very lucky to be a dog, especially after I heard about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
This week, I got to go to a special meeting at a place called Cameron House where my friend Laurie Fox talked about her mother Opal and how she would take care of her when she had Alzheimer’s. Although I didn’t get to meet Cameron (even though I was at his house), I did get to learn about the many ways people can comfort their loved ones with this disease. Laurie talked about bringing rosemary to Opal to smell and just going with it when her mother thought she was in another time or place. I really liked hearing how the power of touch is important for people with Alzheimer’s – one of my favorite things is being pet and loved by humans!
Laurie even said that animals are helpful for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia because we remind them of pets they had in the past. I can’t help but get really warm and fuzzy knowing that I am making a difference for people on my visits. Seeing people’s smiles and feeling their comfort really makes my day, and now I understand why they sometimes call me “Rover.”
- Thinking about Laurie and her mom
If you have been keeping up with me and my pet therapy adventures, you know a few things about me, like how much I love meeting new people, making them smile and of course squeezing in a few ear scratches on my visits. But there is one thing you might not know — I have not one, but TWO moms, which I think makes me very special!
My dog-mom’s name is What’s That in the Skye, but everyone just calls her Skye. She lives in Ohio with my brothers, sisters and a lot of other family members. She took care of me when I was a really small pup, and her wet licks were my favorite! I will always remember how warm and cuddly she was when I was young, and how she made sure I got enough to eat so I could grow up to be a strong dog.
When I was 10 weeks old, I got to meet my human-mom, Susie. You may have read about Susie in my previous posts – she’s not only my mom but also my pet therapy coach! I spend most of my days with Susie, and she has taught me so much, specifically, she helps me practice my pet therapy tricks. I am getting better at saying hello to people sitting in machines, and I can even ignore food that’s not meant for me. Susie also makes sure my coat is nice and shiny before a visit so that my friends can pet me, and she reminds me to follow ALL her commands when I’m out and about. Sounds like a regular mom, right?
One of the bunnies that runs in my backyard told me that Sunday is a special day for moms, so I thought I could wish a Happy Mother’s Day to Skye and Susie on my blog! Thank you for taking good care of me, and letting me show my excitement for people. I love you both so much, and I hope I can be a good Lacey-Loo for many dog years to come!
- I love my human-mom Susie!
I know it’s a day early, but here is my Cinco de Mayo poem for 2012:
Cince de Mayo, a day of great celebrations
For Chihuahuas, poodles, and dogs of all nations.
My furry friends party – with an extra bit or more kibble,
While humans celebrate – ‘til they stumble and dribble.
Never fear, Lacey’s here, “I’ll cure the ache in your head,
Caused by the creature who was spinning in your bed.
The canine component to the magic elixir
Will erase your hanger, it’s a sure fixer.
And I have plenty of extra, yup, the hair of the dog.
It’s part of the potion to take you out of your fog.
So have fun, no worries, just give me a call!
After all, it’s Cypress HomeCare, Solutions for all.”
