Just Checking In

Just wanted to let everyone know how I am doing. My knees and hips still ache. Mom and Dad are treating me with Glucosomine/Chondrotin supplements, rest, and controlled exercise.

Yesterday, we celebrated my human niece's Birthday. Our home was full of people and I received some extra attention. The little children enjoyed yummy cake and mom gave me some extra treats in with my dinner.

Today, mom has not felt well. I have stayed close. I am blessed with the gift of being very sensitive. I know when mom and others need me. Mom says, "Sitka is the best therapy for me."

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Birth Announcement

Today, my human sister, Lauren surprised our family with a new baby boy. He is a precious young colt. She has not yet chosen a name. I sure hope she picks something he likes. Humans never ask us what we would like to be called. She lives about an hour from our home.

Mom and Dad loaded Wil, my human brother, Nanuq, and I in the SUV and off we went to see the new baby boy. Nanuq and I felt privileged to get to go. Wil was so excited, he stayed to help Lauren with the baby.

The new baby came from a race horse breeding farm. Apparently, he did not make the race horse cut and was taken from his mom and placed with a surrogate at 4 days old. He is a bit malnourished and has some sun burn.

My human sister will nurse him to health. She will love, train, and guide him into the "gentle giant" GOD created him to be.

I am thankful my family loves animals and longs to help them become the creatures GOD created them to be. I am thankful to live in a loving home with a loving family. I am thankful for all of my bloggy followers and friends. May GOD BLESS each of you.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Sitka Has A Boo Boo

On Sunday, Mom found a boo boo on my hip. It is called a hot spot. Mom knew what to do. She sent my human brother, Wil for the clippers. She shaved and cleaned the spot. She then applied neosporin and desitan ointment to the broken skin. The neosporin has antibiotics in it and the desitan keeps the skin cool and makes my boo boo feel better. I really like to chew on these spots, but Mom and Dad are quick to tell me, "NO BITE" and I stop.

It seems these days are a bit challenging. I have been raised in a loving home and given strict training. I have received quality medical care and the very best of everything, yet my doggie health has been a challenge for my parents.

I miss therapy in the hospital when I am unable to go, but I am thankful I have two furry brothers who fill in the gap. Nanuq will be going to Our Lady Of Hope (Nursing Care Facility) on Friday morning to visit the residents. My parents and I have a passion for hurting people. My youngest human brother, Wil also has a heart for dog therapy. He often helps Mom and Dad with us.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Happy Father's Day

Sitka (Alaskan Malamute-4 years old), Dad, and Nanuq (Samoyed-7 years old).



Trouble(Toy Poodle-10 years old) and Macy (elderly, deaf, Cocker Spaniel-15 years old)

Today, I want to celebrate Father's Day. My furry brothers, sister, and I have the best human dad, ever. He sacrifices in order for us to have organic dog food and treats. He provides quality medical care for each of us and best of all, he loves us unconditionally.

We love you, Dad!

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

An Outdoor Therapy Visit

Thursday night, Dad took Nanuq to Central State Psychiatric Hospital for Dog Therapy. Mom and I stayed home. I am still experiencing pain in my knees and hips when I lay on the hard floors in hospitals or other places.

On this visit, the staff decided to take the patients into a fenced courtyard. Dad was able to allow Nanuq to freely visit with patients. He unleashed Nanuq and he played with the patients.

Both Nanuq and Dad shared with Mom and I when they returned home. The outdoor visit was enjoyed by both Nanuq and the patients.

A change of scenery is good for both humans and furry children. God uses all things to work in our lives. Nanuq's visit reminds us to think outside the box when helping others. I am thankful the staff was able to give the patients and Nanuq the ability to fellowship in a different environment.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Say Cheese

Each week my brother Nanuq and I visit Central State Hospital. During our visits many of the patients enjoy having their picture made with us. This is a visible remembrance of our time together. Our photo's become a tangible form of encouragement when we are unable to be with them.

We are thankful GOD opened the door to this facility and look forward to many more visits.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Sitka Answers Dog Therapy Question

Leslie and Otto asked:

"May I ask, does Mom ever get nervous about going to a psychiatric hospital? Have you ever had a bad experience with a patient?"

On our first visit, Dad was nervous, but Mom was not. My Mom has a bit of a medical background and knew what to expect. Dad had never been exposed to psychiatric patients and was unsure. It has been a "huge" learning experience for Dad, but he enjoys going with us.

We have not had a bad experience. However, Mom is constantly watching the patients for reactions. The patients we see time and time again may act different on each. It depends on how they are doing that day.

Not all Mom's and Dad's are comfortable in this setting. Thankfully, my parents follow GOD's lead.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Return To Dog Therapy

Tonight, Nanuq and I had a wonderful visit with the patients at the Psychiatric Hospital. Several of the patients wanted their picture taken with us. The staff prints them a copy and they are able to put the picture on the wall in their rooms.

One of the patients laid in the floor between Nanuq and I. It was kind of like a Malamute and Samoyed sandwich of sorts. He was a very large, but gentle man. We had not seen him in the past.

Nanuq and I are there for an hour and a half each visit. Tonight, I had to go potty about half way through our visit. We were on the second floor behind many sets of locked doors. One of the staff members took Dad and I down the back steps and out to a courtyard.

As I returned back into the room, I rounded the corner and went to a gentleman riding an exercise bike. He always carries his newspapers. He never says anything and he holds his head down. I had to pull Dad a little to get to the man. Dad was unsure about the approach, but I knew this gentleman needed me. I stood there for a little while as he rode the bike and then came back to the rest of the group.

Mom noticed as she sat in the floor with me, my new friend was full of smiles and holding his head up as he rode the bike. He kept eye contact with us until it was time for him to leave. I am still amazed when I see GOD use me to make someone smile.

The patients were as happy to see me as I was to see them. I will go back to visit in a couple of weeks. Dog Therapy Rocks.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Dog Therapy

I will return to work tomorrow evening (Wednesday). I am so excited to see my friends at Central State Psychiatric Hospital. I know they missed me. Nanuq told me they always want to know where I am.

Please pray for the patients and their participation.{ray GOD draws all those who are in need to me. There are many needs. I want to be used to make a significant difference in each of their lives. This is the longing in my furry heart.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka