My Therapy Puppies!

Ember Glo's Garnet Eclipse CD, CGC and Hiland's Perro del Sol Pele CGC

Shadow, a Belgian Tervuren, and Pele, a long coated Chihuahua, make regular visits to a Senior Citizen Facility near our home. The therapy work we do is gratifying, especially in an area that is often a last home for the patients. On visits, Shadow sits near wheel chairs gazing gently into old, tired faces while Pele settles his tiny 5 pound body on a lap and enjoys the inevitable petting that comes. I stand nearby and watch as expressions change and people visibly relax.

Once a grumpy resident refused to be caught enjoying the Therapy Dogs, but Pele knew just what to do. He settled into her lap and laid his head on his feet. After a while she began to pet him and said, "I think I've been missing out on something!" The nurses were thrilled. Another man quietly stroked Shadow for a few minutes. He looked at me and softly said, "I miss my dogs."

We also met a lady who was confined to her bed, often seemingly unaware of her surroundings. When we arrived, the nurses were hepling her to sit in a chair for the first time in weeks. Due to her fragile physical condition, it was hard to find a way for her to touch Shadow. Finally I thought to let her hold his long, fluffy tail. Her whole face lit up, blue eyes shining brightly! It was clear to all of us in the room; this was a moment when our lovely new friend was fully present!! While every visit does not always offer immediate results, this is rewarding work. How happy I am to have these particular dogs as my partners

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UPDATE: In August 2005, Pele was attacked and killed by a neighbor dog. I am currently training a new Chihuahua for our Pet Therapy Team ... "Curt's Northern Glory for Hiland" is sweet and sassy. Glory shows lots of potential for therapy work and is busy making her own footprints on my heart.