08/29/2023
This post is a little different; no pictures, but two touching stories. If you like to read stories, I hope these are worthwhile. I will do a
separate post for each.
As followers of mine can tell, I love to write. I have to remember to be concise on my FB posts when I can :)
But this is fair warning, I've got stories!
These should not include any identifying information; I maintain privacy standards as much as I can.
Story # 1:
Dixie and I had been to Carle Hospital on Saturday, 8/26, so, when one of our coordinators sent an email on Monday 8/28 requesting an urgent pet therapy visit either Monday or Tuesday, I held back. I sent an email telling her I was not available Monday, but if no one else replied soon, I could get a visit in on Tuesday. I had done one other of these "urgent" or special requests and it was very heartwarming.
When I arrived Tuesday early afternoon, I saw on our communication board that the special request was from a room I had visited on Saturday & the person did not want to see a dog, but did spend a little time talking with me (I held Dixie behind me).
That person had been flat on his back in the bed on Saturday. I knocked on the door & told him that his room was on my list to visit with a therapy dog. He said he didn't understand, but he said I could come in. I introduced myself & Dixie and that was when he turned his head and looked at us. He reached out his hand to touch her head & then said "no, I can't. I don't want to pet her. Makes me sad." And he turned away.
I told him that was perfectly OK; we wouldn't stay if he was uncomfortable, but if he wanted to talk, I could take a minute. "I really miss my two dogs at home and I'm afraid no one is taking care of them." We talked for just another minute or two and then I said goodbye. I told him if he ever felt like he was ready, he could tell the staff & they'd put a request in for him.
I never know anything about the people we are going to see except a room number; don't know names, ages, reason for being in hospital, or even who requested the visit. And our conversation never touches on any of that (unless the patient says something, but most don't because we talk dogs & other pets!).
I was surprised that he was the "urgent" request, but I went to his room and did the same thing as I did on Saturday. This time, there was a visitor there and the patient was up in a chair. His mood was just a tiny bit better, but still nowhere near pleasant or friendly. He was a bit edgy, maybe even irritated, and just didn't have much to say.
But, I knew I was with a dog lover, so I took a chance, moved to be off to the side of him so that Dixie was right in front of his legs & just kept chatting about something unimportant.
As we talked, I started giving Dixie single commands very quietly, almost in a whisper, and kept on conversing with him during this.
"Sit", she sat
"Down", she went into a down.
"Wait" stayed in the down. Put a couple small treats in front of her on the floor and told her "wait" and she waited.
He started saying "well, she listens good"
"OK", she ate her treats & sat
Him "I can't believe how well she listens. She is a trained dog"
"Paw", gave me her paw still in a sit.
"High five", paw up higher and flat to my hand.
Him ' " she is a really good dog".
Me - "want to give her a treat?"
And we were good after that. No more edginess, no more being standoffish. He was a dog lover appreciating a really good dog.
BIt of context - we all have known this type of person at a vulnerable time in their lives. He was a very youngish-middle age. A man who looked like he could lead a work team, own his own company, entertain a group of friends with his voice and antics. But, now, he is reliant on others for almost everything, weak, tired, maybe confused, and he can't fix it. We can expect some crankiness, right?
I knew when it was time to go. I thanked him for letting us visit with me. I told him "I gotta tell you that on Saturday you were flat on your back and barely talking. It looked like it was not a good day. Today, you are up in a chair, talking with a strong voice, and looking darn good! If we meet again, I hope you will be even better!". He's the kind of guy that does not give you much reaction, so he just said "OK".
Dixie and I went on to see another couple patients on that unit. I was in another room standing facing the hallway when I saw that man walking very slowly in the hall. He had a staff member on either side, a gait belt around his waist (used to hold people steady) & using a walker. Very concentrated look on his face. Standing very tall (well over 6ft). He turned his head and looked at me; I smiled and gave him a thumbs up.
He gave me a smile that filled his whole face & gently nodded his head at me. Kept walking.
I think he's going to be all right.
