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

Sitka, Therapy Dog

I am recovering and doing quite well, however I am not allowed to visit my friends in the hospitals and nursing homes yet. Last night, Mom and Dad took me for a little outing. It was great to get out of the house and see the world again. We visited our favorite coffee shop (Crossroads Coffee and Ice Cream, Richmond, Virginia). They have outside tables and a special water bowl for their furry visitors.

Mom and Dad ate their organic sandwiches and visited with another Therapy Dog Mom while I laid under the table. Several humans found me and I received lots of furry hugs and belly rubs. I enjoyed my time at the coffee shop, but I am getting anxious to go back to my real job, Dog Therapy.

Tonight, I will be sending Nanuq to Central State Psychiatric Hospital, Petersburg, Virginia. The patients miss us when we are unable to visit. We are the only therapy dogs who visit their facility other than one owned by a staff member.

In a few weeks, I will have an X ray to make sure my knee is healing properly. Hopefully, I will allowed to return to therapy at that time. I miss my sick friends. I am eager to return with the unconditional love and acceptance I can give them.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Therapy Visit

Lately, I have been thinking about my previous therapy visits and longing to share about them with you. Today, I will share about a visit at Central State Psychiatric Hospital, Petersburg, Virginia.

Each visit is different and very rewarding. We arrive at 6pm on the designated night and I take a quick potty break in a special spot the director has provided. After I take care of business, I march straight up to the double locked doors, throw my head back and out comes a "big" Malamute howl. Someone then comes to unlock the doors and let us in. My parents are then given their badges and we travel through several other locked doors to get to our destination.

When we go for night visits, it is a special treat for the patients. They know we are coming and they must be on their best behavior during the day in order to be allowed to visit with us. We are their reward!

The staff at CSH is very good to us. They provide a big mat for me to lay on so I do not become sore from laying on the hard floor. They also provide a special water bowl in the event I get thirsty. The patients and the staff are always eager to see me, as I am them.

Often, the patients enjoy having their picture made with me while snuggling on the floor. On this particular evening as I snuggled closely with my new friend, I began to intensely sniff her cheeks. My Mom knows when I focus in on something or someone there is a reason. I continued visiting with my new friend. She was an older lady with shoulder length gray hair and no front teeth. She had a very gentle spirit and would smile and hug me when I snuggled close.

The time came for my friend to leave and I heard Mom whispering with the staff. Mom asked, "Is there a problem with the patients face?"

The staff member replied, "Yes, but how did you know?" Mom explained how she recognized the difference in my actions. From that day forward the staff began to learn to watch me and they too can see with fresh eyes.

I miss my dear friends at CSH, however, I have been sending my brother Nanuq and I hear he is doing a great job in my absence. Thank you to each of you for your continued prayers during this time. I look forward to going back to CSH with Nanuq in a month or so.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Sitka Visit's Town and Country Veterinarian

Today, my parents traveled to Woodpecker Road where my favorite Veterinarian's office is located. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the staff in my native Malamute language. I am very thankful each staff member has taken time over the past few years to develop a loving relationship with me.

My visit today was prompted by a recent injury to my right rear leg. I am a big guy and sometimes I can be clumsy, but this time I really wasn't romping or acting silly. I was simply running across my own back yard when a horrible pain struck my knee.

After several accidents, my parents know the routine and are able to quickly check me over and begin pain medications, until they can determine if my injuries need further treatment. After a week of resting my leg while on medication I am much better, but still lame.

Today, I saw Dr. Lhoer. He watched me walk, pulled, tugged, and pulled some more on my leg and knee. It hurt, but I was polite and held still for him. It is tough sometimes, but Mom and Dad have taught me to respect the people who are trying to help me. I know both Dr. Lhoer and Dr. Jordan would never hurt me on purpose, but sometimes I must endure some discomfort in order for them to determine the severity of my injuries.

After a long visit with Dr. Lhoer, my parents are left struggling to make tough decisions. It seems there are no perfect answers as to what is best for my knee. My parents always try to do what is best for me. They love me with all their hearts and want me to be able to live a long, healthy, and productive life.

Please pray for my parents as they seek God's plan for healing and restoration of my furry body. In my short life, God has used me in powerful ways to heal and encourage others and I do not want to miss an opportunity to continue serving Him.

I know there are humans who might think it silly to pray for me, but I know God loves me and wants what is best for my furry self. Thank you for your faithfulness to follow my blog while loving, encouraging, and praying for my parents.

Until my paw dances across Mom's laptop....

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Continued Prayers For Sitka

As I lay here waiting for my right rear leg to continue to heal please know my family and I are thankful for your continued prayers. We enjoyed our vacation despite the fact I was unable to take long walks on the beach and boardwalk. Mom took me for short walks to potty and down to the ocean. Later, Dad would take Nanuq on long walks and adventures near the seashore.

Home and resting comfortable, I will likely visit my favorite veterinarian this week. Dad and Mom are not sure I am healing quickly enough and want to be sure all is going well with the process.

Some dogs do not like to visit their doctors, but I love all the people in my doctors office. I stroll through the door eagerly with my head flung back howling in my native malamute language. Each member of the staff seems to speak and understand my language. One technician, Nancy actually howls quite well in malamute. She and I became fast friends when I was young and she always greets me in the waiting room prior to my actual visit with Dr. Jordan or Dr. Lhoer.

Please continue to pray for speedy healing. I miss going to therapy with my friends in the hospitals and nursing homes. My furry heart, soul, and body needs to get back to work. There are so many people who need to feel the peace and comfort God is able to speak through my furry self.

Until my paws dance across Mom's laptop again.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

"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