Even though I am officially Therapy Dog Certified, I find that I am learning new things about caring for humans every day – along with the many objects and smells that are in people’s homes! Take for instance my last visit with my friend Fran. As soon as I walked into her home, I started smelling all the wonderful smells and my nose started leading me around the house! Also, I think I looked a bit spastic at the beginning of the visit when I was skidding across the slick floor. Once I got a good paw grip, though, I was ok, but I was much happier once I found the carpet! This is all new for me and I just want to make a good impression.
When I entered the living room, I came across the strangest thing. I saw my friend Fran, but she was sitting on this very large black machine that was moving around. It was scary, and I was convinced that it was following me! I went back-and-forth about whether it was safe, but when I saw that Fran had a big smile on her face I figured I would be ok. I did give it a good sniff just in case to make sure it wasn’t going to come after me. I’ll be honest and say that I am still a bit unsure about these moving “wheelchair” machines, but as long as they don’t chase me around I’ll be alright!
My favorite part of the visit was all the love Fran sent my way through plenty of cuddles and ear scratches. She even let me clean up a bit in her kitchen – those bread crumbs were the perfect mid-morning snack! I really can’t wait to see Fran again and practice my pet therapy skills so I can keep bringing joy and comfort to dog’s best friends.
Tuesday, I went on a very special trip to Silverado Senior Living in Scottsdale, and I sure made a whole pack of new friends during my visit! I had so much fun meeting everyone, and seeing their kind eyes and warm smiles made it that much more special. Can you believe it, they even had me listed on their daily agenda, which made me howl with excitement!
From the moment I walked in, I met a lovely woman named Gloria who gave me a personal tour of all the different areas and rooms. First, we stopped at the courtyard and met Sam and Will. Sam was tall and knew right where to scratch behind my ear, and Will was my size and kept petting my nose. He didn’t even mind that it was wet!
- Me with Sam and Will, my courtyard friends!
My tour guide Gloria then took me in to a very big living room that was full of humans – I was so excited! I just wanted to give everyone a nudge and nuzzle. I got to spend some time with Marilyn and Olive Jean, and they really made me feel warm and fuzzy. Plus, they didn’t care that I was sticking out my tongue!
- Marilyn and Olive Jean petting my nose
I wasn’t the only non-human there — I heard a dog bark and smelled a guinea pig during my visit. I also saw birds flying around in a glass cage. It’s a good thing I was wearing my pet therapy vest, or who knows what would have happened!
Overall, I had the best day meeting and visiting the wonderful people at Silverado Scottsdale, and I can’t wait to see them again soon!
Maybe it’s just me, but I always thought those fuzzy yellow balls were for playing catch. After all, I play catch with them all the time – it’s one of my favorite things! That’s why I was so confused when I went to visit and make new friends at The Woodmark at Sun City, and all the fuzzy yellow balls were somehow stuck to these skinny hard legs. Then all of a sudden they started moving! Good thing my handler told me to not go after them – only later did I figure out that they somehow help some of my friends walk. Who knew fuzzy yellow balls weren’t just for dogs?
