Hospice Therapy dog visit today
 

Well, today was Abbie's third visit to the nursing home. We have stopped in to see "Miss Inez" every time we've gone but she's totally nonresponsive so we just sit there for a few minutes and then leave. Today, when we got to her room, her two daughters, son and a hospice nurse were there. I apologized for the intrusion and started to leave but they were interested in what Therapy dogs do and wanted to know if their mom had ever been responsive to Abbie. I told them, sadly, no, but we liked to sit with her for a few minutes anyway. They invited me to go ahead with Abbie and "have " her visit with Miss Inez. To my amazement...and theirs...Miss Inez, at their pleading, opened her eyes and looked at Abbie and tried to mouth some words. We couldn't tell what she was trying to say, but her family said they had not seen her respond like that in months! The nurse was so amazed, she asked for my card! She remained responsive to Abbie during our entire visit. What amazed me as much, was that Abbie seemed kind of stressed today and hadn't been willing to settle in with anyone in the entire nursing home, but curled up and laid with Miss Inez for almost 20 minutes! God Bless these dogs! They truely "know" what is needed.

Oh that is such a sweet story

That is such a sweet and touching story.

Oh, they know what to do.
That is a touching story, i have tears & chills!!!

Fabulous story! And so true, I've seen it happen many times. You have a wonderful gift in Abbie - thank you so much for sharing it with others!

That's a beautiful story! She's a remarkable little dog.

There's an elderly man who lives in my building. He sits outside with his health aide. He must have had a stroke because movement is difficult for him, but he's aware and speaks a bit. I saw him yesterday trying to reach down to pet Max, but he couldn't. I picked Max up so that he could touch him. His 2 hands came together to cup Max's face and I thought, what a wonderful thing. He likes Max a lot, and to touch a little dog must have given him pleasure. I'd like for Max to be a therapy dog in a few months.

What a wonderful story. Mine are not Therapy dogs, but I had taken them a few times when my Mother-in-law was in the nursing home. Everyone just loved them and really perked up. They looked forward to their visits with my MIL.

How wonderful. You must feel so good to be a part of that.

How sweet. That is very kind to visit the elderly and bring them some joy.

Thank you all. Abbie is such a sweet girl and I'm very proud of her.