This week was Gyp's first Therapy Dog session. It was not what I expected. I thought "oh, this will be a fun thing to do together, Gyp loves people, and I love seeing people smile when they meet any of my dogs".
Well, it was so much more. I didn't really factor in how it would effect me. DUH.
Most visits are supposed to be in a common room where people come to meet you each week. This facility has quite a few really elderly people who aren't very, or at all mobile. So they asked if I would do room visits. I said sure as long as it was OK with the residents. It is a neat place because of the variety in needs and ages.
Most of people all asked if Gyp ever had pups, and I got the same reaction from almost all of them "what a shame, she is so pretty and would be a good mum". Old people are funny :)
One lady wanted to give her a chocolate. One lady had her dentures in a tray. One man pretended not to be interested, but when we visited with his neighbor, he got out of bed and used his walker to observe from a far. The staff were quite amazed with some of the positive reactions towards Gyp that day.
It was hard going into the rooms and seeing the family photos, handmade crafts from grandkids or great grandkids, and the photos of the people when they were younger. It is really cool to see where people come from. One man is a very decorated War Hero and has his medals proudly displayed. I said "Wow, you've been all over the world" he said "In 53 years of service, sadly yes". What was even harder, were the rooms with no photos or only 1 or 2.
We met about 15 people, and the one that got me the most was the lady in her 90's she couldn't move all that well but her face lit of when she saw Gyp enter her room. Gyp put her nose close so the lady could pet her, then Gyp put her paws up on her bed and tried to get up. The Aide asked if she would like her on the bed - the lady nodded "yes", Gyp hopped up, curled up next to the lady and rested her head across her body, and just stayed there while the woman gently stroked Gyp's face and commented on her soft ears. My heart melted. At that moment it became so obvious what our dogs do for us, and in Gyp's case what she can do for others. We all had tears in our eyes, and honestly, it will be a moment I will never forget.
We met some really cool people, and I am excited to go back and get to know them even more. This experience is going to be good for my soul, I felt really grounded and at peace when Gyp and I left that day, Ice Cream Sandwich in hand and all (thanks nice nurse).
Thank doG I have my 3 dogs ... damn, I would need alot of therapy if I didn't have them.
8 comments:
Amen - and thank you.
My father is in a secured unit of a nursing facility because his disease has forced that decision. Some days he knows who we are, and other days we are strangers.
But we started taking Cheoah to see him because she seemed to handle the various noises the best. While not certified, it is amazing how well she handles working with him and how he responds to her (even on days when we are not known to him).
What I did not expect was the friendships I have struck up (or more accurately, Cheoah has). There are residents who expect to see Cheoah and spend time with her.
So, again, thank you. Because that is somebody's mother you made smile that day.
This is just great... :')
that is so awesome.
Beautiful story...it made me teary.
It is amazing:) It's great that you and Gyp are doing that.
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I bet those folks just love Gyppy. They are so lucky to have her....and you visit. What a daybrightener!
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