This afternoon after a little time outside, Mom and Dad loaded Nanuq and I into the SUV and we headed for Central State Psychiatric Hospital, Petersburg, Virginia. We get excited when we arrive on the grounds. We know where we are and we are ready to get out and get to work.
Tonight there were a number of patients who spent time with us. One man was not sure about me. He froze in place, so I got up, walked over and nuzzled gently against his leg. He needed a furry hug and I knew it. He smiled and patted me.
Some of the patients wanted there picture taken with Nanuq and I. The staff are able to take pictures and give them to the patients the next day. The patients are able to put them up in their rooms. One lady wanted to write her brother about us. The staff agreed to give her an extra copy with our permission to mail to her brother with her letter. She came back numerous times during the evening for more furry hugs and love.
Tonight, we met the Hospital Chaplain. He came to see GOD work through us. He, too got in the floor with us. One staff member came back on his own time to see what the patients and staff had been talking about.
We enjoyed a great evening with the patients at CSH. Mom and Dad scheduled our December visits with the staff before we left. Mom says, the winter months and holidays are hardest on those with mental illness. She wants to be sure we do our part to make a difference and encourage those who are hurting. Nanuq and I are thankful Mom and Dad are willing to take us into hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities.
Woofs and Wags,
Sitka
15 comments:
Hi Andrea,
I got all your kind comments. Thanks! Dear husband and I browsed your old posts. Oh, how we love you dogs. You did well in writing from Sitka's perspective.
Will visit more in the coming days.
Blessings,
Ruth
You are so special...and so are your mom and dad....
Bless you, and your parents for being such a help to others.
Sitka I just love reading about how God uses you and Nanuq to help others. You are both amazing dogs and you have a pretty amazing mom too.
Love you!
I think the holidays are hard for those even without mental illness. Getting through the endless barrage of TV commercials and newspaper ads is enough to drive a sane person into an edgy state.
I enjoyed this post very much. The words created an image of peace in my mind. I thought of the hospital worker who came to visit on his/her own time. Lovely moment. Also the comfort Sitka and Nanuq provide to the patients and their loyal readers. Just lovely, Andrea. xoxoxo
You have a great Mom and Dad who are very caring!
Praises!
You two are a true blessing from God.
What a wonderful way to spend an evening. I'm sure you make so many patients' feel joyful and peaceful with your visits.
That is beyond wonderful! God works through all of us, even dogs and cats. :)
And thank you for the advice for my cat. She is no longer peeing the bed!! :)
God bless all of you for this special ministry you all do.
Hi
Its Jazzi. It is very nice to meet you. I am glad you stopped by my blog, and am following me. I too hope we can get to know each other better.
That is way cool what you guys do!! My mom would like to do that with me but I am so frisky and want to lick everyone that it would be crazy!!
I will follow you too and see what all you guys do. Until later
tail wags
Jazzi
This summer we had a Literary Festival and someone brought their therapy dog. He was the size of a young bear and the kindest dog you could ever hope to meet. (Great Grand? Pyrenees) After asking permission, my daughter just spent some time loving and being loved by that huge animal. It was a wonderful experience for both of us. I love that you are making this wonderful thing happen over and over again.
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. I look forward to getting to know you too! I see you love dogs as I do. I have 6 of my own and pet sit for many.
Hi, Sitka~
Life here in Luray has been BUSY these past few weeks. I see that you have been too! How wonderful it is that you and Nanuk get to go visiting people and making them feel better. It is amazing how someone petting us can make them feel so much better. I LIKE THAT! :> )
Keep up the good work. We look forward to meeting all of you one day!
Blessings~
Simba (
Rascal and Kitty are playing with mom's new watch in the kitchen. When she finds out she is going to.....ahem.....laaaaaaaaugh!)
:> )
You are such an splendid and precious animal, thank you for the amazing gifts you bring to this world.
(To your lovely mommy...)Thank you very much for recently entering my giveaway for a beautiful set of Jessie Willcox Smith art prints. The lucky winner is going to drawn at random and announced on Chronically Vintage later today. I really appreciate your support of this giveaway and wish you the best of luck!
Have a splendid Tuesday,
♥ Jessica
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