Therapy Starts At Home

Recently my brothers (Nanuq and Trouble), sister (Macy), and I realized our mom was going to become ill. We always stay close by, but we felt we needed to be even closer. My brother Nanuq and I do not normally sleep with our parents because we are big and furry and it gets too hot in their bed, however, Trouble and Macy always sleep with them.



On this evening Nanuq insisted on getting into bed with Mom and Dad and then he, Trouble, and Macy laid as close as they could get to Mom all night long. I laid in the floor right beside of her. Mom didn't feel well when she awoke, but continued to prepare for her day as usual.



Mom left with Dad to run errands and take care of some necessary business.While away from home, Mom became very ill. Dad brought her home and helped her to bed. Mom was very weak, seeing spots, and experiencing a severe headache. Dad wanted to take her to the doctor, but Mom is stubborn. She just wanted to lay down. Mom said, "I am too sick to go to the doctor...I can not even sit up....just let me lay down." Dad reluctantly agreed.



The next day, Mom was much better. We knew Mom did not feel well, but quite often our parents do not listen to us. They know we are very sensitive, but sometimes I think they forget how sensitive.



Woofs and wags,

Sitka
Posted by Andrea at 2:07 PM

Overcoming Fear

In September 2007, I spent two days in Blackstone, Virginia. I was invited to be a part of The Blackstone Arts and Crafts Festival for petting and to bring awareness to "Dog Therapy." Upon arriving, my parents and I found our place in the children's area between the baby chicks and the alpacas.Many humans of all ages, sizes, and conditions came by to see me. Some folks told my parents they had seen an article in the local news paper (Courier Record) about me and came just to see me. Each human I met was unique and special. However, one precious little boy will always have a special place in our hearts; his name is Josh.Our day was over and Mom began to walk me while Dad loaded our SUV. During my walk Josh ran up to me and I quickly put myself in what my parents call "gentle down." Mom dropped to her knees as she often does when a small child wants to pet me.As Josh began hugging and laying on me, Mom noticed scars around his mouth and face. Josh's mom watched him carefully as her eyes filled with tears. She began telling my parents about his injuries.We learned Josh had been attacked by a dog and flown via helicopter to MCV. During Josh's recovery he received over 300 stitches and multiple cosmetic surgeries to repair his mouth and face. His mom said, "after the attack Josh has been terrified of dogs and would scream when he saw them."Josh and I became friends. God used me to allow him to realize not all dogs are bad. At one point during our visit Josh actually laid backwards across my neck resting his head and neck on mine. God gave Josh the ability to trust again using an unusual source.God often uses unusual or unique vessels as His source of healing in our lives. I am thankful once again He chose me, furry ole Sitka to be a living vessel for His love.Woofs and Wags,Sitka

A Time To Be Touched

In February of 2006 my Mom and Dad took me to Virginia Beach, Virginia. Having never seen sand before I enjoyed digging and thrashing around. My parents and I went for long walks on the beach and boardwalk and visited with many people.

One morning we awoke to lots of rain. My Dad decided it would be a great day to take us shopping. He knew I love to go shopping and Mom doesn't mind either. We all dressed; they wore warm clothes and I wore my red therapy vest.

After a couple of stops at some of Mom's favorite shops we decided to visit the local Pet Smart. As we looked around, a group of kids asked my Mom if they could pet me and after telling me "gentle down" she said, "OK."

My Mom noticed a small child with his mother in the buggy nearby and asked if he could get out and pet me. At that very moment the mother burst into tears. She began taking her 4 year old son, who was deaf and just learning to walk out and placing him on the floor. The little one dropped to his bottom and I rolled into his lap. He smiled and rubbed me and we stayed in the floor together for almost an hour.

During my time with my new little friend his mom began to tell my parents about his life; he would soon undergo his 28th surgery. She continued to fight back tears as she explained about taking him to the grocery store and other places and how he would reach out and touch people. She said, "most people would become offended and make rude comments." Even after explaining that her son was deaf and touch was his means of communication with everyone around him it seemed people did not want to be touched or around this precious child.

My parents and I could not understand how anyone could treat such a gentle, loving child of God in this manner. After cuddling for a long time on the floor we all needed to go. I will never forget this special little boy. We promised to pray for Ryan and began getting ourselves together.

Ryan's Mom thanked us over and over again for asking if he could pet me and my parents assured her the blessing was ours. Ryan will forever remain in our hearts as we continue our journey reaching out to others.

Woofs and Wags,
Sitka

Alerting Mom to Asthma

Today, I will answer Ms. Leslie and Otto's question:

"How does Sitka alert you to having an asthma attack? Was he trained to alert?"

No, I was not trained to alert to my Mom's asthma attacks. From the time I was very young I when I sensed something was different with Mom's breathing, I would sit in front of her barking and pawing at her. It took her a while to figure out that I was trying to tell her she was getting worse. Finally, Mom put my actions together with her illness. The only time I act this way is when she is sick.

Once Mom realized I was alerting, she began to take medication immediately, upon my alert. Sense that time she has NOT had a severe attack. Some dogs sense/smell diseases and I am one of them. It is a gift from GOD. I am thankful to help others, especially my Mom.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Dog Therapy

Today, I am compelled to repost my first blogging article. Many of you did not follow me when I started blogging and do not know the story of how I became a therapy dog. I hope you enjoy today's article.
















Hi, my name is Kubuna's Dry Run Sitka, but my friends call me Sitka. My nick name at home is "Fuzzy," but don't tell anyone. I am an Alaskan Malamute, weighing 125 pounds. I was born in Blacksburg, Virginia, at Dry Run Kennel. One afternoon a nice lady and gentleman from Richmond, Virginia, came to visit my kennel. I noticed the lady sat quietly down across the way. As my kennel door swung open and my future Dad reached for me, I darted out, passed him and ran as fast as I could and jumped into my new Mom's arms. I stole her heart from that very moment and I knew she was not leaving without me.

Once my parents came home with me the fun began. I was so cute and adorable they took me everywhere. It wasn't long until they realized I am very sensitive. I love all people, especially children, handicapped, and those who are hurting and need a hug. After realizing I had a special gift, my parents began obedience training with me (Dog Lovers Obedience School, Richmond, Virginia) and continue to reinforce and train me daily. I am now a registered therapy dog (TDA, CGC). I also tell my Mom before she has an asthma attack. Because I can sense the change and notify my Mom, she has not had an asthmatic episode in 2 years.

I love visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and wherever GOD leads and my parents (Doug and Andrea Perdue) take me. I have been as far north as Seaford, Delaware, where I attended a friend's mother's funeral and as far south as Pensacola and Destin, Florida where I visited in the Naval Air Museum, spent time on the beach with kids, and laid under my parents table in the Hard Rock Cafe.

In January 2008, my parents rescued a 85 pound Samoyed. My new brother's name is Nanuq. My parents and I chose this name because he looks like a polar bear. Nanuq began training after his health issues were treated and is now a therapy dog, also. We eagerly await all the back scratches, belly rubs, and great big hugs!

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

A Big Day

Today has been a full day. First, my parents took me to the doggie orthopedic doctor for a follow up visit. The doctor was able to perform my xray without sedating me. I was a good boy and my parents were extremely proud.

The news is great. My knee has healed successfully. However, the doctor wants me to continue to walk on a leash for the next four weeks. Mom and Dad can use a longer lead line and give me more freedom. Each day, I will be allowed to go farther and do more. I will be happy when I am able to run free in my own back yard. I miss chasing the squirrels.

After our visit to the doctor, I had my nails done. Yes, I behaved. Mom also took Nanuq and I outside with the forced air blower. We really do not like to see the dreaded blower, but boy do we feel better when she blows all the extra fluff out of our furry coat. Nails and hair, all in one day. I don't know about you guys, but I am exhausted.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Sitka Answers A Bloggy Question

As I thought about what I would share with my human friends today, I couldn't get a question asked in a comment on one of my articles out of my mind. It went something like this:

How can animals be allowed into facilities where there are patients who are allergic to them?

This is an excellent question and I would like to answer based on my "furry" knowledge. Of course, I am only able to speak of my experience in the facilities Nanuq, Trouble, and I visit.

We are not allowed to enter a room where someone is allergic to animals. In fact, the door to those rooms are usually shut during our time in the facility. In other facilities we go to a conference type room and the patients are brought to us.

There are also other health precautions taken. We are groomed before our visits and Mom also brushes our teeth with doggie toothpaste. I have also witnessed staff wash a patients hands after our visit.

Every precaution is in place to do what is best for "all" the patients. I am sure there are times when it could be improved upon. In some cases, we are the only link to normalcy in a patients life. We are there to love and encourage each patient in need of our services.

Please feel free to leave any other questions you may have in the comment section on my blog. If I do not know the answer, I will ask Mom.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Scoop The Poop

I come to you today with a public service announcement of sorts. My parents have a special attachment on our leashes. It holds poop bags. When we are out and need to potty our parents use this bag to pick up our poop and put it in a trash can. We are constantly amazed how many doggie parents to not clean up after their animals. It is the responsible thing to do. Trust me when I say: You do NOT want to step in "my" poop.

Since Mom has not been able to teach us to clean up after ourselves the burden falls on her shoulders. I urge you to consider cleaning up after your animals. It is the polite thing to do.

Thank you, Mom and Dad for cleaning up after Trouble, Macy, Nanuq, and I. We appreciate your effort to keep the environment clean and safe for other humans and animals to enjoy.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Dog Therapy

Being a therapy dog is awesome. My job is to encourage others. I usually work in hospitals and nursing homes. However, dog therapy can happen anywhere I or my brothers and sister are needed.

God leads us to the people who need us most or He leads them to us. Either way it is a beautiful and special meeting. Sometimes we are asked to attend Festivals or special events in different communities. These events allow us to bring joy into others lives and it also gives us the opportunity to share the blessings of dog therapy.

Thank you for following my journey as a therapy dog. I am amazed how many new friends I have made throughout my life. May GOD bless each of you.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Mother's Day Gifts

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes. As many of you know, I am a "very" needy dog. I suffer from separation anxiety and really do not like it when my family leaves me. Usually, someone stays behind to doggie sit me.

Today, my human brothers wanted to take my parents to Brunch. They wanted to celebrate Mother's Day with Mom. It was too hot for me to stay in the car, so they decided to leave me at home with my furry brothers and sister.

My family was sneaky. They left in shifts. They even took Mom's hand bag and shoes outside and put them in her car. They really faked me out. Normally, when I see Mom put her shoes on and get her hand bag, I begin to howl and snuggle close to her. Later, Dad exited and then Mom calmly slid out the door, too.

It only took Nanuq and I a short time to realize we had been "LEFT BEHIND." After a few woofs and howls between us we decided it would a great gift for Mom if we behaved while she was away.

Mom and Dad were gone about "TWO" hours, but when they returned we were found politely waiting at the back door. They were so proud of us. I do believe it was the best Mother's Day gift Mom has ever received. Our human siblings can never keep up with us furry kids. We always "one-up" them. Just kidding! I know Mom loved her Mother's day Brunch and gift from the human kids, too!

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Happy Mother's Day

My furry brothers, sister, and I would like to send a special Mother's day blessing to all mothers. We recognize how special God created them to be. Our Mom makes sure all our physical and emotional needs are met. She gives us lots of love, hugs, and belly rubs and she also loves and cares for our human siblings, too. Mom's have a big job and we thank each of you for taking special care of your human and furry children.

We hope "All MOM's" have a beautiful and blessed Mother's Day!

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Golden Heart Award

I am overwhelmed with furry love. My furry heart is so full it is about to explode. RCUBES at "Off The Beaten Trek" has awarded me, The GOLDEN Heart Award. RCUBES is a true friend to both Mom and I. She is a prayer warrior and her blog inspires everyone who reads it. Please visit with her....she loves God's furry kids, too!!

My parents and I try to allow GOD to speak through our hearts in everything we do. We are thankful for the opportunities GOD places in our path. We are also thankful for encouraging friends, human and furry!

With this award comes the responsibility to pass it along to five other bloggers who exemplify a heart of Gold. This is a very difficult task, but Mom was eager to help me choose.

1) Mary at Divinely Designed. Mary is full of love and compassion for everyone. She is eager to encourage other writers....even furry, four-legged writers. She understands "me".

2)Laurie at Supernatural Living. Laurie has a heart to reach the world for Christ and is passionate about her beliefs.

3)Leslie at Writing for the Lord. Leslie loves children and recently stepped up to become a prayer warrior for a child Mom and I are quite concerned about. GOD bless you, Leslie!

4)Terri at Terri Tiffany Inspirational Writer. Terri is a gifted Inspirational writer with a heart full of GOD's love.

5)Sheryl at We Are Never Alone. Sheryl has heart full of love for everyone and loves us furry kids, too.


Please check out each of these bloggers sites. GOD will speak to you in powerful and encouraging ways. Thanks Again, RCUBES for thinking of me.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Value of Dog Therapy

Yesterday, Mom was privileged to see a patient I had visited in a local nursing home. At the time of my initial visit, the patient was recovering from a stroke. He could not move any part of his body without assistance. His speech was not recognizable, yet I was able to make a difference in his life. I motivated him to move and work hard to recover.

On my first visit, he reached for me with both arms. The staff was amazed. By our second visit (one month later) he was wheeling his own wheelchair and speaking with clarity. Over the past year, we have visited his facility many times. Each visit, my friend seemed to progress positively.

More than a year has pasted and Mom sees this gentleman in the local mall. He is now walking on his own, with a cane. Mom could not wait to get home and tell me. Often, we do NOT get to see the end result of my work. Today, I am praising GOD for the evidence of the value of my work.

Blessed to be a therapy dog.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka