This is a totally new setting for 10 month old Kody but that did not phase him. We entered the lobby and he cried his usual cry for someone to pet him. We eventually made our way back to the PT gym to 'work' with the patients.
Our first patients took Kody for walk. They were holding the long leash and I had total control of Kody holding on to the shorter leash. That went well for both patients - one slower and one at a normal pace. I did have to hold him back a bit, but he cooperated perfectly.
We did a few games of fetch with two patients. I did have to hang to the leash as he'd go get his ball and want to show it to everyone else in the gym. He'll learn. I'll have to take better treats so he knows to bring it back to me!
We also helped a lady work on her grip by holding a brush to groom Kody. He jumped right up on the mat table! I had to re-position him for her comfort and ease of reach, but for a ten month old puppy, this pooch did great! He eventually laid there perfectly still while she brushed him all over. ( I say eventually because he wanted to play with the brush when she first started!)
After all this, it was time to leave but one of the therapists came to find us and asked us to come back to the day-room at the end of the one wing. She told me a patients whole family was there and felt Kody would be a fun addition to their visit. I agreed to go back for a few minutes.
We ventured down the hall and as we rounded the corner we say the room - with people over-flowing it's walls. When she said whole family, she wasn't kidding! BUT, I had my concerns.... They were a plain family, not usually know for the love of dogs INDOORS! Kody was soooo excited to see everyone's focus on him. He cried and tugged to get all the pets he could! I held on tight and the 'mother' of the group shirked back and cried "Get him outta here!"
The therapist ignored the statement and spoke directly to the patient, most likely "Dad". I could not hear nor understand what he said to her, but her reply was "No, he doesn't bite. He's a puppy and he's just happy te be here. He wants you to pet him". With that he reached out his hand and slowly lead Kody over to he outstretched hand. Upon that move, everyone else seemed to want to pet Kody too.
One by one, the children (and there were a lot of them) came out from their seats to pet Kody, too. The therapist asked if the patient would like to play fetch with Kody. I'm thinking, are you kidding me. He's never going to work with so many distractions!
We gave it a shot. "Dad" tossed the ball over to the nurses station. Oh boy! Now they all wanted to pet him. He cried with glee! Now all the parents of the younger kids came out to watch the fun too!
We never really did fetch a whole lot - or should I say Kody didn't (but I did). But that's ok. We made the whole family laugh and brightened their afternoon.
Kody will learn. I'm just elated he LOVES everyone and is not afraid of anything.
Thank you, God!
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