Wednesday night I returned to dog therapy at Central State Psychiatric Hospital, Petersburg, Virginia. I was overwhelmed with excitement to see the patients. As I entered the building, I began to talk to them in my native Malamute language (howling). I am always amazed. They seem to understand my greetings.
Nanuq and I were taken to the special room on the second floor where we have dog therapy. There were a large number of patients waiting to see us.
One elderly lady seemed to need me most. Nanuq took over the casual petting job and I laid down on a large mat.The lady began to pet me. As she relaxed, I rolled my large furry body over onto my back. She laid down beside me and began rubbing my belly. She and I spent about 30 minutes together.
I am thankful GOD allowed me to go back to work. I was not able to stay the full 1 1/2 hours. I left about 15 minutes before Nanuq. My knees and hits were beginning to ache after laying on the floor. Mom and Dad now realize they will be able to take me, but I will need to leave early.
I thank each of you for continuing to support my ministry and pray for me. My parents, Nanuq and I are overwhelmed by your support. We feel your prayers as GOD places us in those special places.
Woofs and Wags,
Sitka
10 comments:
Life has been crazy and I've lost touch a little. Sorry to hear you haven't been feel well but glad to hear you're on your way back.
You truly have a ministry from God.
Dear Sitka, so glad you were able to provide peace and joy to the psychiatric patients. I always look forward to your and Nanuq's reports. Some day maybe tell us how you and Nanuq came to live with your mom and dad and how you got your names :) xoxo
Glad that you're back with Nanuq to make someone's day! Well...lots of them..Blessings.
Aw, I'm so glad you got to return to the work you love.
I love your dog posts -- and I love your dogs. They are beautiful. We had a Malamute years ago. Big dog. Strong dog. Infant in wanting to always be with us. He had been a lead dog on a sled team so he felt a great loss of companionship. I think that is why he felt so needy around us. Lovely dog, though. (After a couple of years of restrictive city life, we gave him away to a rancher with other dogs and lots of running room. I think he was happier there.)
I'm so glad you were able to return to the work God has prepared for you Sitka. Praying for your furry knees.
Praying for you too Andrea. Sorry I haven't been by much lately. Very busy these days. Busy is good. Pray for more business please. :)
Love you!
Oh Sitka, I can just picture you laying there with the lady and getting your belly rubbed. Otto loves it when we do this with him. I find it theraputic, too!
I think your mom needs some of your doggie love and therapy so that perhaps she'll feel better!
Love and Snausages,
Leslie
Oh how blessed that woman was to lie beside you for 30 minutes and be comforted. And you got a belly rub too!
A beautiful ministry. I am praising the LORD for each dog therapy session!
~ linda
Recently I saw some clip on facebook where a therapy dog was wheeled in a wagon into rooms to visit people.
The dog is paralyzed or something. He can't walk anyway, and so they just wheeled his wagon in and laid him on the bed.
The people sure seemed happy to see him!
Dear Sitka, I realize I have only been following your marvelous blog for a short while, but I wanted to tell you what a joy the photos and stories about you and Nanuq are to me.
Huge hugs to you, furry dear!
♥ Jessica
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