Last week, we visited our friends at Central State Psychiatric Hospital. It was our last visit for 2009. We enjoyed visiting with the patients. Many of them wanted their pictures made with us. One of the staff members is faithful to bring a camera.
The patients love being able to have a lasting memory of our time together. They are able to post their pictures in their rooms. They get excited about having a photo shoot.
We are seeing some of the patients really begin to respond to Nanuq and I. They will pet us and talk to us. Sometimes it is easier to talk to a furry friend than a human. We do not judge them or try to tell them what to do. We simply listen and snuggle.
Toward the end of our time together, the patients and staff surprised us with Christmas presents. Nanuq and I got two new toys a piece and some treats. Mom and dad got travel coffee mugs. They need the caffeine to keep up with us. We were overwhelmed. Dog therapy is a ministry my parents love. Their reward is watching the reaction of the patients. They do not expect gifts. Nanuq and I love all the hugs and belly rubs, too.
Today, we would like to thank Central State Psychiatric Hospital for inviting us to be a part of the health and healing of their patients. We are honored to participate with them in the healing process. We also thank them for remembering us with special Christmas gifts. You guys are the best!
Woofs and Wags,
Sitka
10 comments:
I love hearing about your visits and all the wonderful joy they bring.
Blessings
Edel
I love the way you are bringing God's love into another dark place sister Andrea with your DH, Sitka and Nanuq. I keep on praying for all of you and for the Lord to protect you all and continue to bring you to those who needs hope, to come back to reality, to those who remain fearful that someone is always after them to hurt them or even kill them, to those who never felt loved...This is one of a kind ministry and I know the staff recognizes the special kind of healing Sitka and Nanuq brings that no human therapy can illicit from these hurting souls. May God bless you more! Good job as always Sitka and Nanuq!
That is so nice. It is a lot easier to talk to your pets and you two must bring great joy to the patients!
Happy New Year!
Deborah
It is great work that you do...and kind of makes me feel inadequate. ;)
Then again, our dogs are not quite cut out for therapy work. :)
Shiloh Beaglebrat here-
Izn't it a great thing when r hoomins take us on a vizit? I bet when u an'Nanuq go on a vizit an'thoze patientz look in your eyez, they just melt (the patientz - not your eyez). Mom iz still havin'trouble with her vizion so we haven't bin vizitin'fer awhie - we both r missin' it.
awww that was so nice of them...they truly love y'all!!
Bless you all for this ministry...
Happy New Year to you, Andrea.
May God bless all your endeavors in the coming year.
PG
I am glad you and Nanuq did get presents, Sitka. You deserve them. I hope you will get some treats for New Year's, too, and that you will get some rest time. Lots of love and wishing you a happy 2010!
I love the great work you do, thank you.
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