Nanuq's Visit

I sent Nanuq on a therapy visit last week. He is a capable and loving guy. He has been faithful to stand in the gap while I am coping with arthritis and other medical issues.

Nanuq was released to walk freely among the patients, with supervision. As Mom and Day watched carefully, Nanuq made his way to patients who are too shy to come to him. He found those hidden in corners and out of the way places in the large room. Gently, he nudged their knee or hand and quietly they would reach and pet him.

Nanuq's approach is much different than mine. I stroll in talking (howling) with the patients. Nanuq quietly and gracefully approaches the patients. He is able to reach patients who may never come over to us when we are there together.

Sometimes the encouragement and love we give the patients is not visible to the naked eye, but only visible through the heart. Nanuq's unspoken words speak louder than my verbal communication with the patients.

Thank you, Nanuq for continuing to follow GOD's lead for our family. Dog Therapy has become more than community service for us. We see GOD's hand working in and through each visit.

Please continue to pray for my knees and hips, but most importantly for the ministry we have with those who are hurting beyond our comprehension.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Sitka speaks!

"If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored all the parts are glad." 1 Corinthians 12:26

My journey through surgery has been an adventure, however God has been faithful to supply all my needs every step of the way. My parents are caring for me with grace and strength.

This morning, Mom began physical therapy exercises on my knee. She prepared me by scheduling this activity 30 minutes after pain medication. I told you Mom knows all the tricks!

God has given each of us a job and as each of you know, my job is dog therapy. I am sad, because I am forced to take time off from the ministry GOD has called me to do. I chose the scripture above because, while I suffer physically there are those to whom I would be visiting if I were well, suffering emotionally and spiritually.

As many of you know, I spend time frequently in a local state psychiatric hospital. My heart was drawn to this facility, because of the great need in this area. Many humans are afraid to take their therapy dogs into this type of facility. I am thankful my parents had the courage that comes only from our Heavenly Father to think beyond fear and many locked doors and focus on the needs of hurting people.

Please pray for my friends in the psychiatric facility as they wait patiently on my recovery. I have sent my brother Nanuq and he will continue to go, but the folks always ask Mom and Dad, "where is sitka?"

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

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