Cry Tears
11-04-2006, 02:54 PM
I want to challange others to do something outside their comfort zone.
Giving your talant to very needy people.
If you have a pet that is social, good with strangers.....take them to your local care or rehab center.
You have no idea what this means to someone who spends their entire day listening to TV, footsteps going up and down hallways hoping its for them. Can you imagine being a bright spot in someones day....week...month!?!?!
You may be their only contact with the "outside world".
Call your local "care center" to inquire what their restrictions they may have regarding taking your animal in for visiting the residents. Things have changed....remember sneaking them in 20 years ago!
Now they welome and encourage this as they've found this healing.
Some care centers don't require your animal be certified and insured.
Some of you may not have the resources and energy for going through the "Pet Therapy" program.
Or this may intimidate you into trying this....don't let this stop or hold you back from sharing "Fur baby love" with others.
You will feel so good after you've done this selfless act of love.
Many times I've experienced people actually sobbing into my dogs fur, saying how much it ment for me to bring her...that they missed having their own pets....that only an animal could understand their pain.
Spend only an hour or so...your animal may get tired and overwhelmed.
They will show signs that they've had enough.
Wash your hands after leaving each room!
Use good judgment and don't take a growling muzzeld Pit Bull wearing those knobby spiked collars or your pet rattlesnake!
Some people have phobias and fear of animals....ask ahead before visiting their rooms. Some may be terrified by them.
One time while we were trolling the hospitals hallways looking to visit patients,
This older lady stood in her husbands doorway looking at us.
The scarf she wore on her head was obviously too tight as it pulled her face muscles taught.
I asked her if her husband would like a visit from Pet Therapy dog?
She nodded as she affirmed in what sounded like "Yes"!
I inquired a second time not sure if she understood me...but she again stated a hearty "YES"....so thinking we'd receive a warm welcome we walked into his private room ready for "love".
When he laid eyes on my huge black lab he screamed, yelled, hollard loud enough to be heard 5 floors down!
He belted out in what may have been the Russian language as well as universal hand signals shoowing us out of there.
Not all cultures veiw animals in the same way we do.....and "Yes" is what most people say even if they didn't understand a word you said!
Its always a good idea to inquire at the nurses station regarding your visit.
Keep in mind their may be allergies to consider on top of phobias.
This was the one and only visit that wasn't welcomed.
I've also been told numerous times that the staff themselves, no matter how hurried and busy they are...that they too benefit from a pet therapy visit, even if its just a quick pat on the head.
When we were visiting often, the nurses began keeping doggie treats ready to hand out...OK if not too many goodies.....sometimes not a good habit for your pet as their focus will be on the treats rather than their visit.
It would be great to hear back from you about this experience. Can't wait to hear all the details!
Blessings, Cheryl
Giving your talant to very needy people.
If you have a pet that is social, good with strangers.....take them to your local care or rehab center.
You have no idea what this means to someone who spends their entire day listening to TV, footsteps going up and down hallways hoping its for them. Can you imagine being a bright spot in someones day....week...month!?!?!
You may be their only contact with the "outside world".
Call your local "care center" to inquire what their restrictions they may have regarding taking your animal in for visiting the residents. Things have changed....remember sneaking them in 20 years ago!
Now they welome and encourage this as they've found this healing.
Some care centers don't require your animal be certified and insured.
Some of you may not have the resources and energy for going through the "Pet Therapy" program.
Or this may intimidate you into trying this....don't let this stop or hold you back from sharing "Fur baby love" with others.
You will feel so good after you've done this selfless act of love.
Many times I've experienced people actually sobbing into my dogs fur, saying how much it ment for me to bring her...that they missed having their own pets....that only an animal could understand their pain.
Spend only an hour or so...your animal may get tired and overwhelmed.
They will show signs that they've had enough.
Wash your hands after leaving each room!
Use good judgment and don't take a growling muzzeld Pit Bull wearing those knobby spiked collars or your pet rattlesnake!
Some people have phobias and fear of animals....ask ahead before visiting their rooms. Some may be terrified by them.
One time while we were trolling the hospitals hallways looking to visit patients,
This older lady stood in her husbands doorway looking at us.
The scarf she wore on her head was obviously too tight as it pulled her face muscles taught.
I asked her if her husband would like a visit from Pet Therapy dog?
She nodded as she affirmed in what sounded like "Yes"!
I inquired a second time not sure if she understood me...but she again stated a hearty "YES"....so thinking we'd receive a warm welcome we walked into his private room ready for "love".
When he laid eyes on my huge black lab he screamed, yelled, hollard loud enough to be heard 5 floors down!
He belted out in what may have been the Russian language as well as universal hand signals shoowing us out of there.
Not all cultures veiw animals in the same way we do.....and "Yes" is what most people say even if they didn't understand a word you said!
Its always a good idea to inquire at the nurses station regarding your visit.
Keep in mind their may be allergies to consider on top of phobias.
This was the one and only visit that wasn't welcomed.
I've also been told numerous times that the staff themselves, no matter how hurried and busy they are...that they too benefit from a pet therapy visit, even if its just a quick pat on the head.
When we were visiting often, the nurses began keeping doggie treats ready to hand out...OK if not too many goodies.....sometimes not a good habit for your pet as their focus will be on the treats rather than their visit.
It would be great to hear back from you about this experience. Can't wait to hear all the details!
Blessings, Cheryl