Grandma Gets First 'Kiss'

It was a usual visit to the local hospital, as usual as a pet visit in a hospital can be... Sammy spent the first twenty minutes or so visiting in the waiting room in the pediatric unit with the only child well enough to come out to visit. (Dogs are not allowed in rooms in this hospital). The little boy was not feeling well at all so the visit was quite short. Sammy played his piano, did his usual dance routine tricks. That wowed the parents and staff, but the little guy just was not in any mood to be entertained at all. Not what you'd call a memorable visit.

But the next forty minutes of our hour long visit, we in the waiting room on the third floor, where patients could come out of their rooms and visit with us. One gentleman patient, his daughter and four women patients ventured down the hallway to come see the furry friend. Again, the tricks, the pets, the stories of their dogs, their kids dogs brightened the afternoon. Each thanked us for coming, but as Sammy was working his way around to say his good-byes, one lady in particular expressed her thanks. She leaned forward to hug him good-bye and he gave her one small kiss on her cheek. She stated she truly enjoyed the visit and she's not even a dog person. She told me that she's a cat person and that THIS WAS THE CLOSEST SHE'D EVER BEEN TO A DOG! She had been bitten as a child and has never touched another dog. (except her son's three pound Yorkie mix). I was amazed. I'd never have guess. She was so good with Sammy and truly seemed to enjoy Sammy's presence as much as the others!

Just let it be known, this was Valentine's Day and Sammy gave this sweet little lady her first doggie kiss! My boy! ! !

He may be gone, but he's not forgotten

The other day, my friend told me to check out her blog to view her Tribute to Podley .


Then a day or two later, my Sammy, Max and Podley's breeder, Janet sent me an email from someone who had Pod's sister. She is in Vancouver Canada and was an assistance dog. But her disabled person could no longer care for her so she was placed with Lisa. Lisa did some research and found Janet and found the  Tarameg Goldens website and contacted Janet. Janet in turn forwarded the email on to me. In the email were pictures of Rowan, Pod's litter mate and Lisa's website.


After reading her email, viewing the pics and studying her website, I had to wait a couple days to contact her. The resemblance to Pod and descriptions of Rowan's disposition were too haunting for me to address immediately. When I finally had time to sob as I typed, I emailed Lisa explaining who I was, etc.


The email I got in return was just as touching as the first. She had been all over Tarameg's website and read about Pod. She was totally amazed that I had then contacted her and she then realized that Rowan was indeed Podley's litter mate. Lisa and I have a lot in common. Rowan is a therapy dog with Lisa. Lisa's quote at the end of her emails is the very same quote I had added to our KPETS t-shirts several years ago.
"Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole" - Roger Cargas.


It truly is a small world and isn't it amazing how these furry friends we care for and love can connect to others, even when they are watching us from heaven above!