My first visit as a therapy doggie....
Posted 07-06-2008 at 02:37 PM by Izzy Princess
Well finally after a year and a half our journey has taken us to this past Thursday, July 3, 2008 when Izzy and I finally had our first therapy visit at the Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital. Our official program name is Paws for Care...isn't that cute?
We went through so much training and studying and me getting two TB tests, and I must say our first visit was amazing. I think I was more nervous than Izzy.
We got to the hospital and met with our Delta leader (Robin). Robin will be with us for at least 3-5 visits before we go solo). Robin was so patient with us and I think the hard part is getting to know the lay of the land of the hospital. It's so big and we are only allowed to go to certain areas like any waiting room like the surgical waiting rooms, rehab acute and their waiting rooms, all of the pediatrics floor if the kids are not allergic to dogs or getting a breathing treatment we can't see them. We can go to all the main area of the hospital and even the physical therapy department.
We where at the hospital for over an hour (you can tell Izzy was getting tired so it looks like an hour is about what we can do with her at this time). We visited with about 7 patients and it was so heartwarming to know that we brought a little joy into their day.
Izzy was a little nervous at first and always looking to her mommy for reassurance when we put her on the patients lap (she has to stay on a towel and we must ask the patient permission if they want her on their lap). Well they all loved her (patients and staff - especially the nurses!). We must put a clean towel on each patient's lap and we must provide each person who pets Izzy with an open towlette for handwashing. The hospital provides both.
The only time we were nervous is when we visited one patient with dimenshia and she was a little rough petting on Izzy for a while but then I stepped in (and put my hand in between hers) and we both petted Izzy (I was trying to keep her hand pressure on my hand vs. Izzy's head)..lol.
Most of the women patients did not want us to leave but Izzy's tolerance level seemed to be about 10 minutes on everyone's lap and then wanted to move on except for this one patient whom Izzy really liked and wanted to camp out on her blanket and sleep.
It was so gratifying for me to be able to bring some smiles to all their faces. We can't wait to go back.
Oh and it was so funny it takes us more time to sign in and sign out since everyone who sees Izzy wants to stop and pet her! From people just walking the halls, patients in wheel chairs, doctors, nurses, volunteer staff, visitors, cleaning people, etc.
Oh and Izzy was not afraid of any noises like the elevator or loud cleaning machines (since the time we went the night crew was polishing the floors with those huge waxers). I figured she would be good with the noises since she is not afraid of the vacuum at home or loud noises when I drop my cooking pots on the floor.
So that's our first day at the hospital visiting and we'll be going back soon.
We went through so much training and studying and me getting two TB tests, and I must say our first visit was amazing. I think I was more nervous than Izzy.
We got to the hospital and met with our Delta leader (Robin). Robin will be with us for at least 3-5 visits before we go solo). Robin was so patient with us and I think the hard part is getting to know the lay of the land of the hospital. It's so big and we are only allowed to go to certain areas like any waiting room like the surgical waiting rooms, rehab acute and their waiting rooms, all of the pediatrics floor if the kids are not allergic to dogs or getting a breathing treatment we can't see them. We can go to all the main area of the hospital and even the physical therapy department.
We where at the hospital for over an hour (you can tell Izzy was getting tired so it looks like an hour is about what we can do with her at this time). We visited with about 7 patients and it was so heartwarming to know that we brought a little joy into their day.
Izzy was a little nervous at first and always looking to her mommy for reassurance when we put her on the patients lap (she has to stay on a towel and we must ask the patient permission if they want her on their lap). Well they all loved her (patients and staff - especially the nurses!). We must put a clean towel on each patient's lap and we must provide each person who pets Izzy with an open towlette for handwashing. The hospital provides both.
The only time we were nervous is when we visited one patient with dimenshia and she was a little rough petting on Izzy for a while but then I stepped in (and put my hand in between hers) and we both petted Izzy (I was trying to keep her hand pressure on my hand vs. Izzy's head)..lol.
Most of the women patients did not want us to leave but Izzy's tolerance level seemed to be about 10 minutes on everyone's lap and then wanted to move on except for this one patient whom Izzy really liked and wanted to camp out on her blanket and sleep.
It was so gratifying for me to be able to bring some smiles to all their faces. We can't wait to go back.
Oh and it was so funny it takes us more time to sign in and sign out since everyone who sees Izzy wants to stop and pet her! From people just walking the halls, patients in wheel chairs, doctors, nurses, volunteer staff, visitors, cleaning people, etc.
Oh and Izzy was not afraid of any noises like the elevator or loud cleaning machines (since the time we went the night crew was polishing the floors with those huge waxers). I figured she would be good with the noises since she is not afraid of the vacuum at home or loud noises when I drop my cooking pots on the floor.
So that's our first day at the hospital visiting and we'll be going back soon.
Comments 11
Total Comments 11
Comments
Outstanding! I learned a bunch from your blog. Thanks for sharing. I was wondering about how long they'd go before getting tired and how many patients we might visit and if patients objected to the handwashing thing. Congratulations! I have no doubt you warmed some hearts. | |
Posted 07-06-2008 at 06:52 PM by alaskayorkie |
It seems like you helped more than just the 7 patients you saw. I think you two brightened the day for a lot of people. I'm so proud of you guys! | |
Posted 07-06-2008 at 08:12 PM by Judy in Waco |
That's a great thing you are doing! Taking time out of your own schedule to brighten other peoples' day is a wonderful thing!! | |
Posted 07-06-2008 at 08:20 PM by YorkieChick1 |
This is so awesome girl! I just loved reading your blog - and your thread! It certainly does sound like a lot of fun and I know that it has to be SO rewarding I am so proud of the both of you - I know it was a LONG process! CONGRATS!!! | |
Posted 07-06-2008 at 09:01 PM by stedmansmommy |
Thank you Izzy & Cyndi for taking time out of your life to LEARN to BE a therapy dog then take time out of your day to put that to use & bring smiles to peoples faces. Angels!!! | |
Posted 07-07-2008 at 04:46 AM by Rusty's Momma |
That sounds like fun for both of you and so rewarding! I really would love to do something like that with Kalina. She is so well socialized and so well behaved, that I think she'd do great visiting people. Congrats - good job. | |
Posted 07-07-2008 at 06:49 AM by Sookie |
CONGRATS on finally getting your first "real" experience! I know it's been a long time coming, and I'm sure it puts a great feeling in your heart. That's awesome what you and Izzy are doing for those patients!!! I'm not surprised everyone wants to stop and pet her though...she's so stinkin' cute (even cuter in person)!!!! | |
Posted 07-07-2008 at 07:56 AM by Sukoshi's Mom |
that's awesome!!!!!! I'm so proud for little Izzie!!!! I'm sure she made a lots of people happy there!!!! did she get lots of treats after her hard working day??? | |
Posted 07-07-2008 at 08:30 AM by ellie81 |
You and Izzy are my heros. What an unselfish thing to do with your time. BTW, Izzy is absolutely adorable, so no wonder it takes so long to sign in/out...don't you love it though! | |
Posted 07-07-2008 at 08:32 AM by GeorgiaGrits |
I loved reading all about izzy's first day at the hospital as a therapy doggie . . she will definitely brighten up everyone's day. | |
Posted 07-07-2008 at 08:43 AM by Tiger's Mom |
Way to go Izzy!!!!!!!!! You will bring alot of comfort to those that are in the hospital! What a beautiful baby you are. Cyndi i think what you and Izzy do is fantastic. | |
Posted 07-07-2008 at 09:14 AM by Sethowner |