Hanna played therapy dog today
 

It is a long trip to visit my husbands mother in a NY nursing home as we live in Alabama.

But we make the trip two to three times a year so she knows she is not forgotten.

Before she went into the nursing home she always said "If I was to ever get a dog I would want that black one" meaning my Hannamaye. She always thought Tiffany was cute but she loved the laid back personality of Hanna.

So this trip I brought along Hannas shot records and we took her to see Grandma. Hanna has always been good but we weren't sure how she would react to the busy place.

Of course she was never on he floor as she could have been stepped on, wheeled across or even pick up some piece of food a resident may have dropped.

Well she did just fine, she sat in Grandmas lap and gave her kisses. She laid next to me the rest of the visit just like a lady. She only got a bit antsy when I had to go to the rest room. But even than she didn't act up she just laid next to my husband and watched the door till I returned.

I believe Grandma loved seeing her again and being able to pet her. Everyone thought she was such a cute puppy, not realizing she was as old as most of the residents there.

Hanna made me proud today and it was a great event. :bravo:

Bless your heart, how sweet of you to take Hanna to see Grandma. :) I'm sure having her there made Grandma's and your husband's day very special! ;)

what a sweet story, I love the photos, it is so nice to see hanna on your MIL's lap. Where in NY is the nursing home?

Hanna and Grandma
 

My mother in law is in the Willowbrook Nursing home in Vestal NY. The people seem to be really nice there and care about the residents.

Pets are allowed to visit if you give them a copy of their shot records.

It was a good visit, she didn't complain or whine (grandma that is) well neither did Hanna for that matter. :D

oh bummer, that is not near my family on Long Island, I will be there for a week in Aug and thought if you wanted and she likes visits I would take Lola there to see her for you. I can only imagine how hard it is for you all being so far away. My folks are in their mid 80's and I keep waiting for the day they can not be in their own home and being in MI will make it hard for me as well. In the fall Lola and I are going to start nursing home visits, I did that once with another yorkie and I know how the residents seem to love it. Prayers for your MIL that she is happy

A very sweet idea
 

Hi Donna,

That is a very nice offer. Yes it is a long way from Long Island. I had never taken a dog into a nursing home before as none of mine were trained for such. But I guess it goes to show you sometimes it just comes natural.

I know I could never take Tiffany because when she is in my arms and anyone reaches to pet her (as most want to cuz she is so cute) she will snap at them. Funny though cuz she loves people and if she is on the ground she will let anyone pet her. So she can no go to such places.

Hanna on the other hand is so laid back, she doesn't care.

Well done Hanna!
Such a sweet story, thanks for sharing:)

Linda your story pushed me into doing something I have wanted to, I called the N. Home around the corner from me, I went there years ago as part of dog therapy group. They were so excited about my call, they currently are not associated with a group and only have one other dog visiting plus the volunteer coordinator takes her small dogs in every Friday. She said the residents LOVE pet visits. She asked me to fill out a volunteer form and after I am approved, I can take Lola in sort of at my convenience. I will work it though their activities department and of course not go at meal times. I am going in to meet with the director on Monday and bring Lola's vet records with me, and get this; I have to have a tuberculous test, then they do a background check and then we are good to go. I am so excited because I have been wanting to do this but was just lazy about looking into it. So thanks so much for your thread, it was the push I needed.

That first picture is absolutely precious! What a great therapy dog you have :)

oh if Hanna is a natural you might like doing this near where you live, I bet Hanna would like the attention. So many of the older people had dogs for most of their lives so I know it does lift their spirits. I will be getting the names of the residents that like dog visits and then I just go knock on their door, and then she said everyone will probably be stopping me in the halls. Now I will have a place for Lola to wear her big wardrobe that just sits in the closet, the volunteer director said they really get a kick out of the clothing, she has a three pound dog also named Lola that only has one dress from Wallmart, LOL I told her I will have to change that!

yes I love that first picture as well and your MIL has a very nice manicure, Love the hot pink nail polish

So heartwarming. I know the residents in nursing homes get so much out of seeing a dog.

Thanks for all he nice replies and I am so happy Hanna has encouraged others to do this. We decided to do this at the last minute so Hanna didn't have bows or any of her clothes up here. Next time she will be all decked out. Mother in law is 90 years old and her daughter keeps her hair and nails done up for her.

Have a great day and thanks for all the kind words.