My Older Brother, Trouble

I would like to introduce my "older and wiser" brother, Trouble to each of you. Some of you have met him. He goes on some of my therapy visits. He is a 10 year old toy poodle and weighs 10 pounds. He has some back problems. Mom is very particular about where we take him. She says, "He is too fragile to be handled by unpredictable patients." He is much better with elderly patients. He loves to ride in their wheel chairs.

Trouble came into our family almost 6 years before I was born. Dad was leaving for work one morning and found him in the culvert pipe at the end of our drive way. It was a cold February morning and Trouble was a "baby" at the time. He only weighed a few pounds. Dad asked our neighbors to take him for the day. He thought someone had lost him and would come for him. After checking with local veterinarians and other places, Dad realized someone had thrown him out.

Initially, Dad planned to find him a home. Trouble had found a home, it just took Dad a few days to realize it. He was given his name, because he loved ripping up the bathroom trash. I know, it sounds really yucky, but he did it.

When Dad and Mom went to Blacksburg, Virginia to get me, Trouble came along. Trouble was not happy about my arrival in the family in the beginning, but we have become quite close. He lays up against me, especially when he is cold.

Trouble is very special. He sleeps with Mom and Dad and basically has the freedom to do as he chooses. Mom says, "he has earned these privileges, because he knows how to obey." He is so smart, he soared through his obedience classes and has a PHD in Dog Therapy and Obedience from Dog Lovers Obedience School, Richmond, Virginia. Trouble would never brag about himself, so I must do it for him.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

An Evening of Dog Therapy

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