Richmond Dog Show and Nanuq

Hi, this is Nanuq! Don't tell Sitka, but I took over his blog again, today. I did not have a picture from yesterday. I found this old picture of me at therapy in moms photos and decided to use it. I am getting quite old and my joints are full of arthritis, but when duty called, I went.

Yesterday, I went to the dog show in Richmond, Virginia. I had a job to do. I was there as the test dog for the Canine Good Citizenship Test. There were lots of young whipper snappers who wanted to be certified. Some of them were ready and some still need more obedience training. It was a long 3 hours of work for me, but well worth it. One of the furry kids was handled by a human 12 year old little boy. The furry guy and his young owner plan to do therapy as community service. Mom and I are thankful GOD is raising up a new group of youngsters, both human and canine to carry on the good work GOD called us to do.

Dad bought me some yummy organic sweet potato treats as a reward. He knew it was tough on my joints. I normally spend most of my day on a doggie orthopedic bed by Dad's chair. Yum..Yum! I love rewards!

Woofs and Wags,

Nanuq

Doggie Diet

Nanuq had his annual doggie physical this week. Dr. Jordan put him on a doggie diet. I am not going to reveal his weight gain for the year, but we will just say, "it was NOT good." Mom and Dad were both shocked, because they are diligent to measure our food and keep us on a schedule. Dr. Jordan explained, "When dogs and people get older their metabolism changes and they need to cut their food back or they will gain weight."

Poor Nanuq! They are cutting his food in HALF and to make matters worse they implied he was getting OLD! Nurse Nancy tried to give Nanuq a treat before he left and he refused to take it!

Don't you think they hurt his furry feelings?

Do you get your feelings hurt when you go to the doctor and he speaks the truth?

Sometimes the truth is hard to accept! Nanuq is working on it and we are all here to love and support him!

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Miracles at Dog Therapy

Last night was an amazing night. We (Nanuq and I) went to CSH, Petersburg, Virginia. We entered and rode the locked elevator to the second floor. Then we went through a few more locked doors to get to our destination. There is a large activities room we are allowed to use so the patients can visit with us.

On many visits, we have observed a gentleman who always carries a stack of papers with him. He keeps his head lowered, never making contact with anyone. Once or twice, I have pulled toward him and he has given me a little smile. He must deem his papers very important, because he "never" puts them down.

Last night, he came and stood in front of me (sitka). Mom said, "you can pet him if you would like." He grinned, leaned down and petted me. The humans watched with amazement as he talked to me and interacted with me and then with Nanuq later on during our visit. He has been in the psychiatric for a "long" time and noone had ever heard him speak.

The humans were amazed and filled with excitement with this gentleman's progress, but they did not realize GOD had yet another miracle to work.

I can not stay as long as Nanuq, because of my hips and knees. Mom takes me outside after the first hour. One of the staff escorts us back through all the locked doors and into the front courtyard. I rest while we wait on Nanuq and Dad.

After I left, Nanuq continued to visit with the patients. He even played a game of sorts with the man who found his voice. As Nanuq's time came to a close and he was escorted back to the first floor a young woman approached he and Dad. She said, "what breed is he?" Dad answered her and she attentively listened and continued to talk to Dad.

After the patients were taken back to their rooms, one of the staff members told Dad that this patient who had just spoke to him had been in the facility for over 3 years and had never uttered a word that she could remember.

Mom prayed and asked for prayer earlier in the day. She prayed that GOD would use us (her furry kids) in a way like never before. Most certainly, GOD ANSWERED!

Another day in the life of therapy dogs~~~

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Dog Therapy

Wednesday night I returned to dog therapy at Central State Psychiatric Hospital, Petersburg, Virginia. I was overwhelmed with excitement to see the patients. As I entered the building, I began to talk to them in my native Malamute language (howling). I am always amazed. They seem to understand my greetings.

Nanuq and I were taken to the special room on the second floor where we have dog therapy. There were a large number of patients waiting to see us.

One elderly lady seemed to need me most. Nanuq took over the casual petting job and I laid down on a large mat.The lady began to pet me. As she relaxed, I rolled my large furry body over onto my back. She laid down beside me and began rubbing my belly. She and I spent about 30 minutes together.

I am thankful GOD allowed me to go back to work. I was not able to stay the full 1 1/2 hours. I left about 15 minutes before Nanuq. My knees and hits were beginning to ache after laying on the floor. Mom and Dad now realize they will be able to take me, but I will need to leave early.

I thank each of you for continuing to support my ministry and pray for me. My parents, Nanuq and I are overwhelmed by your support. We feel your prayers as GOD places us in those special places.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

"He made me feel better!"

Today began a new day in our pet therapy journey. Nanuq and I were invited to visit patients who exhibit more serious psychiatric symptoms during a daily class at our favorite hospital. We were excited to visit and make new friends.

Most of the patients warmed up to Nanuq and I very quickly and we saw a few of our friends from our night visits, too. Frequently one person draws my attention and today was no different. I met a very withdrawn black gentleman. I use the word "gentle" man, because his spirit seemed to reflect the title. He was a tall man with very strong hands yet his every movement slow and calm.

At first, my friend sat quiet and still with head down. I thought he was asleep and I'm sure everyone else did, too. His Nurse/Therapist, whom we will calm Ms. N.T. encouraged him to touch me and helped him gently put his hand on my head. I sat patiently and when he moved his hand back to his lap I slid into a "gentle down" beside him. I stayed by his chair until I was needed in another area of the room.

Later during our visit my new friend rose from his chair and slowly made his way over to me. As I sat in front of him he began to pet me. While petting me he began to smile and talk with Ms. N.T. During my visit another staff member whispered in mom's ear, "I've never heard him speak before."

As time passed and we visited with others, my new friend once again came close to me. He stood near as other patients spent time with me and before we were to leave, he looked down toward me and then held his head up and said, "he made me feel better."

A man of few words spoke volumes. Dog therapy was medicine for this "gentle"man's heart. I hope to spend more time with my new friend on future visits. My parents, Nanuq and I thank GOD for the glimmer of hope and happiness we brought during this special visit.

Woofs and Wags,
Sitka

Therapy Dogs!

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