Miracle Max

It never ceases to amaze me how these therapy dogs affect peoples' therapy sessions. Today Max and I went to the Rehab Hospital to work with the physical therapists and their patients. Max and I worked with a gentleman who need to work on balance while seated and using his left arm/hand. We'll call him "Bob".

The therapist, (we'll call Jill) had Max jump up on the mat table so Bob could brush him from his wheelchair. Max gladly obliged and hopped right up. As Max sat close to the edge of the table, his friend leaned forward to brush Max with a little help from Jill and his wife, who was there watching and giving him moral support. Bob brushed Max using his right hand but working on his balance while doing so. After a few minutes, it was time to lean back and take a break.

After a brief rest, the next thing we were to help with was having Bob pet Max with his left hand. He was instructed of this next exercise, so he leaned front - without any help! ! Eyes widened and "good jobs" were heard from everyone! He worked hard to lift his arm up enough to pet Max on his back, then stroking him back and forth from shoulders to tail. There were no complaints from Max. He loved every minute of it.

Rest time - and as if to say "thank you", Max was licking his hands. He's not usually a licker! I apologized but Bob and his wife both said it was fine, as their dog at home was quite the kisser. Now you must know, Max was very thorough when he was kissing his hands; they were 'schlecked' on the back and on the palms.  I did pull out a wet wipe from my bag and offered it to Bob to clean up. Jill took it and helped unfold the wipe and then handed it to him. He used is left hand to wipe his right - top and bottom. Then he used his right hand to wipe his left. He did the top and Jill asked, "Can you get your palm". He turned his arm/wrist so his palm was almost face-up. Jill stated with eyes wide, "I didn't know you could do that!". His wife said the same! Bob commented, "Me, either. You should name him 'Miracle Max'".

Not a bad idea! My kids. I'm so proud of each and  every one of them!

In Memory of Podley

Well, it's official. Podley has been gone for one year today. Probably about now I was in his crate at the Pet Emergency in York, holding his non-repsonsive little body next to me as I tried to take in every detail about him. It's so hard to hear his breath and then he stopped. How horrible. If only they could have saved him. We miss his so - every day.

But as I sit hear typing, Dad and Max are bonding. Bill seated on the couch with Max lying next to him, tail wagging.  Not touching each other at all. But as Bill turns to look at him, Max's tail starts to thump a little faster. Then as Bill looks away, the tail slows, but never stops. Then as Bill raises his hand to pet, that little tail goes SO fast. How precious. I must be thankful for what we do have. Cinda, Sammy, Max and even for Zeke too. 

None will ever be as gentle a soul as Podley and Podley will always be one of those once-in-a-life-time dogs. As my heart breaks thinking of last year at this time, I still have to believe that my loving God will allow us to meet again in Heaven.

3rd Saturday in Dec

Oh, it's so hard to believe it's been a whole year since little Pod passed away so suddenly at only 5.5 years old. The third Saturday in December of '09 (December 19).  As I go about our day getting ready for Christams this year, I can't help be recall throughout the day, where we were last year on the same Saturday.

As I mucked the stalls, I kept thinking, last year, there was a sweet 3-legged boy sleeping in the house awaiting our romp in the woods.

As we finished breakfast with my family and glanced at my watch at 10:20, I recalled that by this time we were already in crisis mode. He had already collapsed and the end was beginning.

As I walked each dog in the afternoon on our new path around the property and up the neighbors field, I couldn't help but think, Pod never got to take this route. As we walked through the dried leaves and sticks through the woods, I remembered his running with his brother Sammy that final day in the deep snow where we now trod.

Taking three walks in order to get all four pups their special time, I can't help but miss Podley greatly. He was such a special gift from God above. When I do miss the his terribly I try not to dwell, but turn to God and give him thanks for what we do have.

Sammy made an impression

While working away in the office today, a lady stopped by to request a visit for two special needs adult ladies that she supervises in their group home. Her name was Gayle. I knew she looked familiar from somewhere but could not place her. She knew me from way back a few years ago when she attempted to get her dog registered with KPETS. But her dog was dog agressive so we could not register them.

Gayle then mentioned that she met us at the Pet Expo the other weekend with one of her special ladies. It was coming back to me. She mentioned that, since meeting Sammy, her friend could not stop taking about my boy! She had met another dog that day as well, but she was really hooked on Sammy.

Gayle stated that as her friend leaned forward in her wheelchair to reach for Sammy, that was further than she ever does for her - even to put her coat on.
She stated that her friend talked more to me than she had ever talked to any stranger, that she has ever seen.

She continued to talk about Sammy for days, about how she fed him treats. Gayle said that her friend's speech was so much more understandable when she spoke to us.

My boy! I'm so proud of him. Just like Podley did, he's making lasting impressions!

Indy

About two weeks ago, I was lucky enough to connect with an old friend, Indy. Indy is a 12 year old yellow lab who has been John's assistance dog for the past ten years. Indy and I go way back to when he was a puppy in training. I helped with his training by being a puppy pal for an assistance dog program in our area. During the first year and a half of his life, I would help socialize him by taking him to church, shopping, to work, even boating!

Over the years I'd see him from time to time with his John, who Indy always adored. The other week we connected wtih old friends from Indy's training program along with John and the program director Jill. It was kinda in celebration of Indy's twelfth birthday. A lunch at Red Lobster was a great reunion for us. I sat on the floor with the boy as much as I could, but Indy would never take his eyes off of John. Such devotion was so beautiful! Indy was aging. I was told, he had been having seizures and having trouble walking. :( We enjoyed the lunch and when it was time to go, we followed John out to his specially equiped van. Opening the side wheelchair accessible door, remotely John lowered the wheelchair ramp and Indy stepped on. John pressed another button and up Indy went to the floor level of the van. Indy promptly went in, and crawled up on his very own back bench seat! Remotely, John lowered the ramp, wheeled on, and rode it to the van floor level and rolled in. What an awesome pair. Such devoted friends for so long. Just so inspiring, beautiful!

Indy looking at John at the restaurant



Indy on his bench back seat in John's car


Ok, back to today. I knew when my phone rang and saw Jill's number, it could not be good news. She told me they had made the final vet appointment for 4:30 today at John and Indy's home. Jill told me about the big seizure and how hard it was for Indy to get around today and that they all decided today would be the day. I cried and mentioned I'd love to see him but did not want to intrude on his last few hours with his best friend. Jill seemed to think it would be ok and called John to confirm our visit would be fine.

I met Jill along the way and followed her to John's home. When we arrived, we went in and Indy was lying near John. He tried to get up to see who came and managed to come over to a throw rug when I sat on the floor. Fighting tears the whole time we just made small talk among ourselves. Jill mentioned to John that I had Zeke in the car and suggested he come in. I didn't want to stress Indy and assured them Zeke would be fine waiting in the car. Jill assured me it was fine and went out to get him. Zeke came in with Jill and starting roaming around WITH INDY FOLLOWING - WAGGING HIS TAIL! He was happy before but he just seemed to really want to be up and about with everyone again.

Looking at John you could see the torture in his mind about what was supposed to happen in a half hour. Then he verbalized his thougths - not sure if he was doing the right thing! WE CANCELED THE VET APPOINTMENT! Indy has more time! Working with others in the assistance dog program to help John care for Indy, they would at least have the weekend together. Praise God.

After visiting a bit, Zeke and I left to give them their time together. Driving home my phone rang. It was Jill. "You need to give Zeke an extra big hug tonite! He saved Indy!", she stated. She truly felt John seeing Indy rally when Zeke came in made him (and her) change their minds. At least we pray it will be a good weekend for all. Thank you little buddy, Zeke. Guess we'll keep you another week :-)

Best Dream Ever

During the night of November 29, 2010 I  had one of the best dreams ever. Kinda wierd I had this dream during this night. You see, 11/30 would be eight years since I had to put Schatzie, my 17 year old miniature schnauzer to sleep. A very hard time, because at that time, that was the longest relationship I ever had with anyone besides my mom and my son!

But back to the dream. I don't recall much of the details BUT what I do remember was so real, so comforting. Our preciuos Podley, our five-year old three-legged golden who passed last December, came back to me. He was only allowed to stay for the 'day'. The only thing I remember is hugging him, petting him and snuggling with him. And then the day AND the dream were over. Instead of waking up and missing him, I woke up feeling like I had just been holding him and was really happy. I never want to forget this dream or the feeling!

Zeke's Big Debut - 11/22/10

 Today was a big day for the one year old Zeke, the youngest golden in our clan. His first day with me on a speaking engagement AND his first day doing real AAT!


The lunch speaking engagement had me more nervous than usual. You see, it was at the Hamilton Club in Lancaster - a rather classy establishment with a wonderful reputation. We were invited to speak for AMBUCS at noon about KPETS - Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services. Taking Zeke was the wise decision, I hoped. With four registered therapy dogs at home to choose from, Zeke seemed that he would be the easiest for this type of setting. And if things didn't go as well as I'd like, I could always blame it on - he's a puppy and still learning.

Having never been in the city, Zeke was awsome walking along the busy sidewalk with cars and buses whizzing by. I had been concerned as he has been going through that second fear stage puppies can go through.

Arriving at the Hamilton Club and settling in the dining area, was not a problem either; although, he was a bit nosey  about things,when my friend, Cheryl, held him as I set up my laptop and projector. But during the luncheon and my talk, he was a saint! I was so proud (and a pleasently surprised!).
But that was not the end of his day. Monday's I am scheduled to do AAT at the Lancaster Rehab Hospital, but I usually use Sammy, my nine year old golden or Max, my three year old golden. Today would be Zeke's first visit in this type of setting.
I had emailed and asked permission to bring the rookie and all were game to give him a shot!
Enter  Zeke!

Our first assignment was to walk along side of an elderly lady with a walker, the kind with wheels. Piece of cake! He was not afraid, he did not pull. My boy! ! !



Karen and Zeke's KPETS nametag pic. It's official!



Our second assigment was for Zeke to retrieve a toy that a patient tossed while they stood - working on balance and endurance. THIS had me concerned. You see, at home, retrieving is not Zeke's favorite thing to do. His favorite thing is to GET the toy, but keep it away from all his 'siblings'! If all 'kids' are inside and Zeke is alone, I can get him to retrieve if I try really hard, by running the other way when he get the toy. Making it fun to chase me and bring the toy to me How was this gonna work here at the hospital? !

The first toss went about ten feet. The suspense, will he??? He turned around, saw the toy and took off after it AND brought it back! He did this for about six times and then it was time for the patient to sit and rest! HE did it! My boy! !

Our next venture was another walk - this time with a regular walker, with no wheels. This walk was A LOT slower than the first one, but the little champ did great! I difinaltey needed the second leash to keep  him along side but using the click/treat as we walked made it go really well!

Another patient needed Zeke to retrieve but I could tell we may be loosing Zeke's interest. He did fine about four times but then he did his second favorite thing. Took the toy, flopped over on his back and held the toy between his front paws, like a baby holding a bottle. Ah, stole hearts with that act. The patient and therapist didn't seem to care that he didn't bring it right back. Chuckles could be heard throughout the gym.



 Realizing the pooch was getting tired, our next assignment was to lie on a matt table beside a patient, just so she could focus on her weaker side and make her smile during a therapy session that is not a whole lot of fun. Perfect timing. Zeke rested along side her for a short time. Then he's get up and reposition. He wasn't the best at snuggling but I think if I do some click/treat training for this, how hard can it be, right?

Sammy 11/15 visit at Lancaster Rehab hospital

Sammy's visit at the Lancaster Rehab Hospital went as usual with nothing real eventful, until.....After our hour-long visit working with the physical therapists and patients, we did our last round of saying our goodbyes. Nurses and therapists were all lined up at the long desk documenting their days accomplishments. Patients quietly waited for their escort back to their rooms. Sammy strutted his stuff through the middle of the quiet gym toward the door with me walking proudly beside the star of the hour. As we were right in the middle of all the silence, we heard the baarruuppp! All heads lifted and turned to look as snickers and giggles came from all regions of the gym. I apologized for the boy as he has no manners when it comes to burping. He made his exit with all in smiles, including me giggling the whole way home. :)

Sammy 11/23/10 Visit to Lancaster General Mental Health Unit

It's the 4th Tuesday of the month, mabye about the fourth time or so Sammy was scheduled to visit the Mental Health Unit at local Lancaster General Hospital. But today would be extra fun for my 9 year old golden retriever.
You see, many years ago when Sammy was two, he met a friend at another hospital where he was doing AAT with physical, occupational and speech therapists. Sammy had fallen in love with Shari, the speech therapist. He would always know when she was nearby. He knew her scent and would loose all focus on what he was doing.
Today, when we arrived at the hospital and as we walked down the hall to sign in at the volunteer office, I saw her coming towards us down the hall.  I knew she worked there as we had spoken before, but Sammy had not put it all together that she could possilby be there.
"Where's your Shari" is all I had to say and he started going in circles around me, looking far and wide for her as she hid in a sitting area off the busy hallway. He sniffed and sniffed and looked and then he saw her! Breaking the rules of a therapy dog, I let go of his leash so he could run the whole seven feet to the second love of his life (I'm number one). She promptly sat down on the carpet floor to be at his level and he snuggled as close to her as he could get. Whimpers and cries of joy came from the excited fluffy dog. Shari said she dressed appropriately by wearing khaki colors to hid an tell-tale signs of dog hair. The reunion excitement continues for at least ten minutes as we waited for our escort to take up to our unit for visits.
Co-workers came and tried to vie for the handsome boy's attention, but he would have little of it. He had his love and could barely take his eyes off of her. It may have helped that she had a cookie in her pocket for him.
Ah, but time to go to work. Our escort was ready for us to head to other direction and leave his love behind. As we went one way down the hall, he kept turning around looking for her as she ventured in the other direction to her office.
Finally we arrived at the elevator and loaded up to go to 8East. Our visit on the unit was more exciting than usual. For some reason, Sammy was a bit more animated and eager to play. Kinda like 'ah, I'm in love!'. He played with his favorite buddy, Shawn but worked the crowd as well. We did a few tricks - we did the Cha Cha, spin, circle, fly, under, weave, tada, to name a few. We really dazzled an older lady so much she said, "I've never seen a dog like that. He is really truely amazing". I'd have to agree. :)
We spent our hour with Sammy friends there and then headed back down to the volunteer office to sign out. As I talked with Dawn, Sammy mooched some treats from her too. This boy has a way with the women. Dawn was only allowed to give Sammy one treat per my request (he had had tons already). To melt her heart, he stood on the opposite side of her desk, laying is head on the edge of her desk looking up at her with big brown eyes as though saying, "but my mommy doesn't feed me". She was enamored by the warmth of his eyes, but then something changed!
That smell, ears perked up, and Sammy went on high alert. What was it? Where is it? He had to find it! Around the corner, seated in the waiting area right outside the door was . . . . Shari! Oh man, here we go again! This time it was a little different. Sammy was beat. It had been a long visit, so this time he was just so content to be with her. Snuggling next to her for a belly rub, he relaxed in her presence. Ah, but another good-bye had to be said. Shari walked us down the hall to our exit, until the next time!