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Cheoah here - Let me show you how I spend a part of my Sundays.
Because of several years of health challenges, our hu-dad’s dad was admitted to a nursing home about a year ago. While that decision was certainly a difficult one, we are fortunate that he is at a very well run facility. The facility encourages family members to bring pets (that are well-trained and mannered) to visit because it helps a resident so much. Because of her temperament and behaviors, we selected Cheoah to be the representative of The Herd.
I love chatting with the hu-granddad.
Fans of our Facebook Page have seen update pictures from the facility, but we thought we would do a post on Cheoah and her visits. She is really great around the equipment, various noises, and moving wheel chairs and walkers.
Look - another friend coming to see me.
What we did not really anticipate was how much the other residents started looking forward to Cheoah’s visits. It is very rewarding to see the residents smile while spending time with Cheoah (to respect their privacy, we don’t show their faces).
We had a great moment a couple of weeks ago when the hu-dad entered the unit and one of the resident’s didn’t see Cheoah behind him. She cried out, “Where’s the dog?” It always helps for the hu-dad exactly who is the important visitor.
Cheoah spending some time with another resident.
We know that several of our readers also spend some time in nursing homes and hospitals spreading some canine cheer. Since we both spend time canine visiting in a facility and we have a relative who is a resident, we thank you for taking the time. It means a lot.
Cheoah spotting another resident who needs a little "Cheesewhiz Time."
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That is so great that you make those visits. I’m sure the residents’ day is, made so much brighter by a visit from you beautiful Cheoah!
Did you know that I am a registered therapy dog? Yes, it’s true! I use to go visiting, but due to dad’s change in schedule from days to nights we haven’t gone in a long time. Kona and Abby were mom and dads first therapy dogs, then Samuel and then me. They would like to get Khady involved some day. It truly is a wonderful experience for all!
Holly
So wonderful that Cheoah makes these visits. 🙂
Momma can speak from personal experience when she spent 14 days in rehab 2 years ago recovering fromCHF, my visits were the thing that kept her going everyday. Dad and I would visit and we would walk down the halls together and rest in the Courtyard–momma, me and dad. It helped her regain her strength and made her MUCH less lonely…although we both hated the end of visiting hours! What you do is a beautiful generous thing, Cheoah!
Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving such kind words for my brother’s Gotcha Day. It meant so much to him!
Hi Y’all,
Just stopped to see what y’all are up to there in the mountains. Looks like the snow is pretty much departed. We aren’t headin’ back yet.
Cheoah, you look like you are lovin’ visitin’ all those sweet people as much as they enjoy visitin’ with you.
Y’all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
You guys are doing such a wonderful thing. You can totally make someones day by just stopping to chat with them and share your pups for a few minutes out of their day.
What a wonderful thing you are doing! I just have to laugh because I can imagine Jack ‘visiting’ all the patients. I think they would have to have a doggy-sedative waiting! 🙂
Way to go Cheesewhiz! Although I’m sure that the situation is incredibly hard for you and your mom, it’s wonderful that you’ve brought something so very positive to the situation. Cheoah probably makes peoples’ days – brings smiles to their faces! And, that’s no small thing.
When K was young, my trainer kept saying that “when K calms down”, she’d be a great dog to visit hospitals or nursing homes. At the time, it seemed like K would never calm down. Hmmm, you’ve made me wonder if the time has come.
Cheoah, you are such a good girl. I’ve heard about the temptations of the roast beef lunch.
It is so wonderful that she can go visit him. Pet therapy is an amazing thing
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com
You are so sweet!
What a sweet post! Cheoah, you are so special to be helping the humans as you are! I know it means a lot to them to have such a sweet, furry pup around to make them feel better. Such a loving thing to do. I have often thought of doing that, I should have my human look into it. Bringing love to others, what a great job to have! Way to go, Cheoah!
Suka
The residents must also love touching the softness of the Cheez-Whiz fur. She seems to know just what her job is when she’s visiting. Thanks for sharing these!
We always look forward to your hu-grandad visits. It sure is heartwarming to know that the Herd is welcome and is being embraced by the people in the health facility.
You sure bring smiles to their faces!
Love,
Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Pai, Wai-Max & Forgie
Cheoah, you’re the BEST! Your visits mean so much to everyone there! Way to GO!!!
Play bows,
Zim
Cheoah looks like an old pro at nursing home visits!! Isn’t it so nice to see how happy the residents get when they see the dog walk in? I have always had a special place in my heart for the elderly (I even did in-home care for the elderly for about a year or two), and I like being able to take Riley to the nursing home to boost morale. Kids get to see dogs all the time, but the people who live at the nursing home rarely get to see dogs, so I prefer taking her to the nursing home than anywhere else.
Wow, this comment got really long really fast!!! My bad! Anyway, it’s great that Cheoah can go and spread some cheer!
Mom still has hopes for one of us to be able to make those visits one day. It must be very heartwarming for you to see the smiles that Cheoah brings to those faces.
Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara
Thanks for sharing! Our Hu-Grandmother was in a rehab center for 10 days earlier this month. Being an anmial lover, she was thrilled to get to pet the furry visitors!
What a great job you are doing!
Drools and licks,
Minnie and Mack
We just love it when dogs are used as therapy dogs…I always wanted to be one but my said I got rejected….what’s up with that! Keep up the great visits.
AARF Kasha the Dainty Great Dane
CheeseWhiz you rock!!!! You do such an awesome job chatting & listening to the residents & they all so seem to love you!!!! We hope you get an extra special treat from the Hu-dad!!! Sorry Hu-dad that you are not the star of the show but Cheoah appreciates you bringing her!!!!
Licks & Nibbles,
Kody & Nia
We’re getting an English Shepherd puppy in two weeks. We’ve been told she’s very sweet and loves to cuddle. Hoping to eventually to do something similar with her. Cheogh is a great ambassador!
When I first started visiting nursing homes with the dogs, I wasn’t sure I could do it. I didn’t know what I’d say because I tend to be rather shy. But I soon found out that it doesn’t matter most of the time if I can talk or not! Everybody just wants to see the dogs and I think for a little while they forget aches and pains and things that they no longer have. So many days I think I’m just too tired to go, but I do anyway and I’m always glad that I did. There was a lady, Miss Mary, who made her daughter buy her a box of Milkbones from Sam’s every month and she doled them out to all the visiting dogs like they hadn’t been fed the rest of the month. lol Every dog in our group knew the way to Mary’s room and we always stopped there last. I never kid myself that anybody is glad to see me, though — it’s all the Bunny Fan Club!
What a great ambassador of khanine powers!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
Very sweet of you Cheesewhiz to spend time with such special people who obviously love spending time with you. No offense hu-dad but if it came down to you and Cheoah, I would have to chose Cheesewhiz!!
Husky-flavored pet-assisted therapy is special. Keep up the good work, Cheezewhiz.