The first creation of blogging with my furry friends. We want you to know how much GOD loves you and how very special you are to HIM! We look foward to many days of blogging with you.
Andrea and "The Perdue Zoo"

Friday, January 30, 2009

Furry Visits to the Alzheimer's Unit

Today my parents took Nanuq and I to Our Lady Of Hope for our monthly visit. We love to visit all the patients, however each of us have one special patient we are drawn to. Many of the residents filled the Alzheimer's unit to visit with us.

Nanuq quickly found his friend. She has long flowing hair, a frail body, and always rides in her wheelchair. I looked for "my gentleman" from one side of the room to the other, but I couldn't find him. One of the nurses asked mom what we were looking for and she told her. After a moment of silence, the nurse told us my friend had died. He was a large man who always called out, "I want to see the big dog."

Today was indeed a sad day for us, but we know for the last couple of years we brought joy to my gentleman friend's life. We look forward to continuing our ministry in this facility and many others.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

4 Paw's Following God

Recently, I entered The Laurel's at Willow Creek preparing for an evening of dog therapy. After some time in the activities room with the mobile patients, a nurse came to my mom and asked if she would take me to visit in a patients room. Mom told me to heal and off we went.

Today's greeting found a 58 year old, non-responsive stroke patient. Upon entering his room and mom telling me to "go visit," I placed my head in the bed with my new friend. Immediately, he wrapped his arm around my neck as smiles consumed his face.

Realizing the miracle, the family and nurse burst into tears. The mans daughter told my mom, "my Dad always loved animals and I thought he might respond."

Once again, a life is changed. Somehow God uses those of us with 4 paws and a furry body to reach deep within. I am thankful God continues to use me in the lives of my human friends.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Therapy and Alzheimer's Patients

My parents and I often visit a local nursing home's Alzheimer's unit with Therapy Dogs and Associates. Some of the patients are alert and respond in appropriate ways, but some of them have severe side affects from their disease. My favorite patient is an elderly man who is very vocal.

As our group enters the locked facility, we look like an organized train of fluffy creatures in all shapes and sizes. Our group leader announces our presence and begins the program. One by one each of my furry friends performs tricks and displays what they have learned in obedience school. It is our way of giving the residents a "dog show."

From the time we enter my friend will call out, "I want to see the BIG dog" until I reach his side. He is not interested in what our leader is saying or the other dogs. In his confused state he is very clear about what he wants: "I want to see the BIG dog!" He never remembers my name, however it is clear he remembers the love I share with him.

Encouragement comes in all shapes and sizes. God made each human and animal unique, giving us a special place for use in HIS world! God uses me to reach the gentleman who is otherwise lost in his disease and I am thankful for the opportunity.

More of my furry journey with God to come!

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Face to Face

Recently while visiting patients, I was drawn to a sad, young lady. She had a small frame and a quiet demeanor. I pulled my Dad until he allowed me to "Go Visit" my new friend. As I approached, she gently came to her knees and our eyes locked. She held my face in her hands and softly spoke to me for more than 10 minutes.

Our "face to face" visit gave my friend a reason to smile. She was being treated in a psychiatric facility and longed to be home with her family and her own furry friends. I am thankful I was able to bring smiles to the heart of this precious young lady.

Every visit my family and I make is different. We pray GOD will continue to use us to make a difference in the lives of others. We thank each of our readers for your prayerful support as we continue to follow GOD's lead into the world around us.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Special Visits

Every visit is special to a therapy dog. We get excited when we are able to love and encourage our human friends. A few months ago, my brother Nanuq went to Our Lady Of Hope in Richmond, Virginia to participate with a local group (Therapy Dogs and Associates); TDA was to perform a "dog show" for the residents.

Nanuq is a rescued Samoyed who has not learned many tricks, but "loves" everyone and learned obedience commands very quickly. When he first came to live with us he was unsure of new places and being attached to a human with a leash.

The first few trips to obedience school with Nanuq were an adventure, because he was afraid of the "new world" God placed him in. Soon his fear turned to exuberance and excitement.

After the "dog show" Nanuq visited with each of the residents and enjoyed the gentle touch flowing through the aged hands. One lady seemed to fall in love with Nanuq as she wrapped her arms around his big fluffy neck; time seemed to stand still for them both.

Nanuq displays a quiet and gentle spirit and waits patiently in almost every situation. He seemed to know this lady needed extra attention. The nurse and staff members took the other residents back to their rooms. They too must have known this lady needed extra time.

At the close of Nanuq's visit, his new friend said, "I don't have any family and I miss my dogs." Tearfully they parted with a promise from our Mom to return for future visits. Each month Nanuq eagerly visits his new friend and has become her "family visitor."

God used my brother to give an elderly woman a reason to face each new day. She knows each "last Friday of the month" Nanuq will come to see her. Nanuq is a reminder that our Lord "never leaves us nor forsakes us."

Woofs and Wags,
Sitka