Secret Messages

 

Chester and his Melissa 



Chester and Melissa are quite a team.  The boy definitely gets an extra bounce in his step when he knows it's Melissa-day at Schreiber Pediatric Rehab.  When he rounds the corner to Physical Therapy it's like his tail wags extra much, and he is prancin' faster than normal to get to his girl (and her Mom...Chester loves Melissa's Mom, Peggy).  Melissa is in Jr. High, she is a sweet-heart, so full of fun and life and joy and Jr. Highness.  Melissa goes to Schreiber weekly to help stretch and strengthen her muscles that need extra special care because of cerebral palsy.  Chester gets to be with Melissa every other week. 

This week Chester and Melissa had this secret message thing goin' on.  Chester wears a gentle lead, it's a type of collar that goes over the nose and hooks up at the top of his head behind his ears.  It's a great invention that gives me, the handler, good, gentle control, and he responds quickly and easily with it on. The deal is, Chester thinks it's rather confining sometimes, and so there are times,  when I'm not looking and we're working, he will take his paw and slip that little baby off his nose.  Very sneaky.

Today Melissa says. "Don't you think it would be a good idea to take his gentle leader off while I throw the ball for him?"

Looking at Chester I say, "Chester, did you tell Melissa to say that?"  He cocks his head, perks his ears, and looks at me with his big brown puppy dog eyes. "I mean ~ you know that if YOU ask me, I'll say no, but if SHE asks me I'll say yes."  Honest and true, they both looked at each other and totally grinned big time.

I took his gentle lead off.  I'm a mush.

Later, after Melissa practiced her balance, throwing the ball for Chester, and him retrieving (without the gentle lead...and being rewarded with yummy bits of  peanut butter Girl Scout cookies ~Melissa's idea of course!), we were moving on to other exercises.

With this exercise, Melissa sits on a giant turquoisey ball, I mean giant, really big,  and balances, using every muscle in her body, while brushing Chester at the same time.   Melissa was walking across the room to get to the big blue-rubbery-ball, leash in one hand with Chester at her side, crutch on the other side for balance.  Chester knows it's a long journey across the room, and he patiently walks with Melissa every step of the way, and somehow she seems to balance more easily holding his red leash in her hand.

Melissa almost gets to the turquoise ball.  Chester spies GIANT BALL.  Melissa lets go of Chester's  leash and he rather attacks this ball, gently attacks :-), and in so doing pushes the ball right to Melissa.  You know, so she doesn't have to walk any further.

"Melissa, did you tell him to do that?"  Her very FUN therapist asks.

Melissa laughs that deep giggly laugh that I love to hear. 

"I think you two have some secret message thing going on today, you know, I help you, you help me!"  Her Therapist says while shaking her head.

And again...Melissa and Chester totally grin at each other.  It's like they know something we don't know.

Later on...Therapist asks Melissa, who is now slowing down and ready for a break, "What would you like to do with Chester next?"

"Yoga", Melissa replies.

"YOGA?" asks the therapist.  They've never done Yoga. 

"Yoga.  I like Yoga," Melissa says.

"Does Chester do Yoga?" her Therapist asks, looking at Chester and me, kinda with this sideways-look that is begging me to say no, Chester doesn't DO Yoga.

"For Melissa, Chester would DO Yoga," I reply.



"OK, next week bring me your Yoga book, and we will pick out a couple of Yoga exercises that you and Chester can do together, that sound good to you?" Therapist says while smiling AND rolling her eyes at the same time.   ( I didn't know therapists rolled their eyes :-)



"Yes." Melissa says matter of factly,  and then smiles at Chester.  And I think he winked at her.  He did, I know he did.

Peggy, Melissa's Mom says... "YOGA with Chester!"

I can't wait for this one, neither can Melissa, or Chester for that matter.

Be looking in a few weeks...........YOGA WITH CHESTER, I can only imagine.


  
 





Girl Scout Cookies

Today at Schreiber Pediatric Rehab, Chester had one of the best days ever.  Not only was it his day to see Melissa, (one of his MOST favorite girls)  it was the day his Girl Scout Cookies arrived.  Melissa is a Girl Scout.  Weeks ago, Chester ordered peanut butter cookies from Melissa.


Upon arrival in the Physical Therapy Room, Melissa and Mom opened the delicious peanut butter cookies.


Chester....guess what we have for you? :-) they said.


His tail was thumping, he was almost in their laps (ok, he was), and could hardly wait for his new treat.  They gave him a bite. He had never had Girl Scout Cookies before.  Never.  Until now.  HE WAS IN HEAVEN. And he was a mess.


Mess meaning......he became obsessed with those cookies.  I had to hide the box under my coat.  He stared at my coat.  He would not respond to the word CHESTER, or WATCH ME or LEAVE IT or PUPPY PUPPY PUPPY or a gentle tug on his cute little leash.  All he could do was glare with great longing at the coat. 


Maybe we shoulda given him the cookie at the end of therapy? Melissa and mom asked :-). 


Finally, we hid the box in another room.  That helped, and gradually, miraculously,  he was able to re-focus, and get to work with Melissa (one of his most favorites, did I mention that?). Chester gets LOTS of treats when he is doing physical therapy work, and as LUCK would have it, I ran out of his used-to-be favorite-treat  before he and Melissa were done.


SO, I asked someone to please sneak into the room where the box was hiding, and bring me ONE, just, ONE Girl Scout Cookie. I broke the yummy peanut butter cookie into tiny pieces ~~~ and began to treat him for jobs well done.  OHMY, it was like he kicked into high performance gear, and was Mr. KPETS  with extra pizazz and charm.  What we won't do for cookies... 


Anyways, when that cookie was gone, we still weren't quite done with therapy work.  Melissa & Chester had a few more exercises to do.  I found a few pieces of dry doggie treats in the bottom of my pouch. After giving him one of the dry boring treats, he paused, then coughed, sorta like he had a hairball stuck in this throat.  And then he looked at us, barking one time, with an attitude.  Obviously, he was not in the mood for inferior treats.  

Melissa's mom said, Chester are you being sassy?

Therapist replies Definitely sassy.

We all burst out in laughter -- that belly laughter that is so good for the soul.  It was a  good way to end our therapy session.  Chester proudly escorted Melissa to her car, and before he trotted away,  gave his favorite Girl Scout a very peanut-buttery thank you smooch.

Laughter and Girl Scout Cookies ~ a  Dee-li-cious Day.

Writing Class

My friend Karen and I are taking this Beginning Writer's Workshop at the Local Literary Guild. We're a small group, and the people that I've met don't seem too "beginning in their writing skills" if you catch my drift.  Talent with a capital T.   Last week I took Chester to class, unannounced. My buddy and I had an evening appointment with KPETS  pretty darn close to class time, and pretty darn near the Literary Guild Building in downtown Lancaster. So, rather than take Chester home and be late ~ well,  I took Chester.

Our instructor had never had a canine in his library classroom, but he was open and welcomed the boy.   Chester took the initiative to greet everyone with a tail wag. He personally made contact with each one.  And when a student arrived sort of late...well, he was the one to get up  and say hi, welcome to class, glad you're here. Mr. Hospitality himself, good boy.  He then settled at our feet, under the big table, and snoozed for the remainder of the evening.

It could have been my imagination, but, class seemed a bit warmer, friendlier, more relaxed.

Fast forward one week....Tonight, no Chester.

"Where's the dog? Where's Chester?  We told you he could come to class :-).  He was such a calming presence."  Everyone chimed in.

All agreed...bring the dog. Please...

My 3rd graders used to like to write stories with Muffin, (our previous golden girl), she made writing stories...easier.  Kids smiled as they gripped their pencils...and the writing slumps, when your brain takes a vacation to Mars,  didn't seem to last as long. When her tail wagged, it was like she spread Tinkerbell-joy-dust throughout the room.   From math to language to recess, it was just a better day with The Muffster in our midst!  
So, next week --- think I'll bring Chester.  Guess what works for 3rd graders, works for older-than-3rd-graders too.

Chris and Victoria

Today we met Chris and his fiance Victoria at church.  It was a God appointed meeting, that's all I can say. Well, I can say wow and whoa as well.  It's one of those times that could only have been planned and orchestrated by a Papa in heaven who is crazy-in-love with His kids.

Today, Chester and I woke up and went to church. We usually don't go on Sunday morning, we usually go on Saturday night. And Chester doesn't always go, just sometimes.  Last night, Saturday, well....we just didn't  have the get up and go, to get up and go. This morning, when I woke up --- I could hardly wait to get in the car and go... with Chester.

At the same time, in another city,  Chris and Victoria decided to visit Christ Community Church in Harrisburg for the first time. Kind of spur of the moment.  Neither Chris nor Victoria live in Harrisburg, we don't either for that matter,but one day while driving by the church, & seeing the sign, Victoria thought I'd like to visit there one day.  This was the day.

Chris and Victoria sat a few rows behind Chester and I. Chris in his wheel chair in the aisle, Victoria on the end of the row snuggled in close, both holding hands. Chester noticed Chris, and definitely wanted to sit by him and not me.  I have learned to listen to Chester's promptings, so, after making sure Chris was OK with this arrangement,  we readjusted so Chester could be near his new friend.  After worship, Chester wanted to lay at/on Chris's feet, and so I relocated my stuff to make this happen.  This is NOT typical Chester behavior, meaning, he usually likes to rest at my feet.  Not today.  

I noticed Victoria had tears in her eyes most of the morning.  So did Chris.  When we had a moment to talk, I said, "You have no idea what a GOD MOMENT this is."  Victoria, nodded her head. More tears.

After church, I learned their story.  This cute couple is engaged to be married. Victoria has been encouraging Chris to look into getting a service dog.  Chris has been reluctant, hesitant. His cute red-headed fiance has sent him some web-links for service dogs.  They have discussed it numerous times.  Chris explained that she is really good at dropping hints, but Victoria is gentle and doesn't push.

Last night, they talked about the dog subject again, and Victoria realized that if Chris was to have a dog  it would rather take a miracle,  like he would really need a sign from God or something like that.  Sooo, I love this part -- they go to a church that neither of them has ever been to before, and here is cute Chester in his yellow therapy dog vest.  Victoria gets all teary.   Chris rolls his eyes and thinks this must be a set up...but how could it be... they don't known anyone here and they've never set foot in this place before.  Actually, it was a set-up. Papa is so darn sneaky, I love it!

Chris later told me that he had to see a dog, experience a service dog, to get it.  Chester obviously KNEW it was his job to help Chris get it.  And so, throughout the entire service, Chester was with Chris, attentive, calming, loving. Let me assure you, I could in no way make Chester do this --- it's just the way Papa made him, sensitive to the Spirit, sensitive to people.

Chris and Victoria invited Chester and me to lunch.  We gladly accepted.  Chester walked into the restaurant at Chris's side. People talked to Chris and to Chester. This was new, and welcomed by Chris ~~ people don't always engage in conversation with a person in a wheel chair, often looking past them. Not so with Chester.  He's totally an ice-breaker!  Throughout our meal, Chester lay quietly under the table, at times with his head resting on Chris's feet, sometimes Victoria's feet.  During lunch, as the three of us got to know one another, I had the opportunity to share how a service dog, when it's the correct match,  could help Chris with countless skills, and help him gain more independence~~ not to mention be his faithful, loving, calming, companion. 

Chester was quite convincing today  --- just poured on the love.  Chris is going to make the contact to get going with a service dog.  And each one of us, well, our faith grew by leaps and bounds today. We do have a Papa who loves us, we really do. (and He can be pretty darn sneaky)

14 laps = 1 mile

Tuesday, it was the day for Taylor (name changed) and Chester's BIG MILE JOG.   Really big day.  For those of you runners and 5k-ers and 1/2 marathoners and marathoners, this might seem pretty small.   BUT for Taylor, it felt like the Ironman. HUGE.  Though fully capable of reaching his mile-goal, this young boy had never made it. He had never succeeded at finishing the race.  Loni, his therapist,  knew that for Taylor, accomplishing this goal, well..... it carried the potential of being life-changing for him. He could move from can't do, to can do mentally & physically -- not only in the mile, but in life.  

Good therapists do not give up.  And, after multiple mile-meltdowns and failed attempts, Loni had an idea.  CHESTER :-)    Chester took the challenge.

Tuesday was race day.  14 laps around the Schreiber hallways equals 1 mile.  Taylor and Chester put their toes on the masking tape stuck to the floor, saying START/FINISH in big bold letters.  Taylor gripped Chester's red leash, and it was clear from the start that these two were a mighty duo.  With all the gusto of an Olympic Official, Loni spoke the words, "Ready, Set, GO!"  And we were off... all four of us were off and jogging, (Taylor, Chester, Loni, and me), and three of us knew....this race was for Taylor.  Lap after lap, Taylor kept the pace with Chester. Lap after lap, Taylor's hopeful Mom held the little whiteboard high, counting our hallway circles.  Lap after lap, Taylor and I talked about Chester and at least a FEW other 2nd grade topics. :-)  But, here's the thing,  for 14 laps, Taylor did not think about Taylor. He didn't think about tiredness, or the sweat dripping down his face, or bathroom breaks, or thirst, or pain, or hunger, but instead focused on his happily-trotting, tongue-draggin', waggy-tailed friend.


When Taylor and Chester at last crossed the finish line, arms and tails raised high like Olympic athletes, well there was cheering throughout the land!!!  The smile that spread across Taylor's face, Taylor's entire being for that matter,  said it all.  He did it!  He worked hard.  He persevered.  He didn't quit. He achieved his goal.   The Victory. There's nothing quite like that feeling of success, especially after blood, sweat, and tears. It spurs you on to dream big dreams.

Loni had prepared a celebration in advance. She hoped this would be the day, and it was. Running a mile had never been so sweet---for any of us! 

Taylor, you can be proud of your great run.

  Well done!  You are a champion!

Stealth Dog

It was the middle of the night.  OK, 4:00 in the morning.  It was cold outside of the down comforter I snuggled beneath. The word cold does not even come close to describing the temp. It is winter, and we turn the heat off at night. COLD.   So, I awoke to hearing this whining.  Whining. WHINING.  It is coming from Chester.  Chester sleeps at the other end of the house, in a hallway. We call it his dog-cave. Don't feel too sorry for him, he really does likes it there.  It is "his" spot. On the tile floor, he has a nice soft memory foam cushion, a sage-colored-green blankie, a plastic black bucket filled with his toys, and a raised dish, with fresh water to drink. Quite a nice doggie pad.  Chester's dog cave is blocked off by a little children's gate. He could actually knock it over with a slight push from his nose, or leap over it with hardly trying ~~ but he is afraid of it.  It fell over one time and scared the crap out of him (pretty much the truth).  That actually worked to our advantage, now he won't get near it, and thinks it is evil.

Anyways.  Back to the whining.  Keith is asleep, or pretending not to hear. So,reluctantly, since the whining is not letting up,  I get out of my warm bed, and zip to the dog-cave, hugging myself the whole way, shivering.  There is Chester, sitting about two feet back from the evil fence, whining.  "Ah, buddy, do you have to go out? OK...."   I move evil gate, almost feeling sorry for the big-guy, and go to the sliding glass door.  Opening it, I stand, shivering, waiting, for him to go out and do his business.  While standing there in the friggen' freezin' air, I see him out of the corner of my eye.  He does not go out the door, but sneaks right behind me, like stealth dog, with his stuffed monkey (named squirrel) hanging from his mouth,  prancing down the hallway towards, of all places, my WARM bed!  Slamming, err, closing, the door I follow him, only to discover stealth dog, snuggled up next to Keith, on top of the fluffy down comforter, with squirrel tucked beneath his chin.   Had to "go" pretty bad did ya?  

I gave him the look, and the command for OFF.  It is weird, somewhere between evil gate and our bed, he lost his sense of hearing.  So, giving  him a reminder-tug on his collar, I pointed to the hallway, and told him to march his cute furry butt back to dog cave. Reluctantly, he slid to the floor, gave me the most pathetic look, then sauntered back to dog cave.  Back at dog cave he cocked his head.  "You forgot your squirrel, huh?" I told him to 'stay', stomped back to the bedroom, and retrieved squirrel. When he was settled in HIS bed with squirrel, I leaned evil gate back into place, and told him I would see him in a few hours.  No more whining, got it?

Truth be told. 99.999% of me thought this was pretty darn funny, and he was pretty darn smart and cute.  It would have been much easier to just crawl back into my WARM cozy bed, and snuggle with the boys for the rest of the morning hours.  HOWEVER, the other .001% part of me did not want to be dealing with whining every night. The pup has a memory like an elephant --- he never forgets.

In the morning...Keith said Chester gave him the It was worth a try look ;-), then headed out the door, because by then....he really did have to go.


P.S.   As I am rereading this post about 5 years later.  ....I smile. In all honesty I should tell you what bedtime looks like today ~~ Chester, as a pup,  may have started out spending the night in dog-cave,  but nowadays he begins his snooze by our bedside and sometime during the early morning hours he joins us atop the queen size mattress, and that is fine with us :) .

Ordinary Days

Some days are just....well....ordinary. 
This week's Schreiber visit seemed just that, ordinary.  Chester was visiting his favorite boy. I know I say favorite a lot, honestly though, when you are with Chester, you know you ARE his favorite, it's just the way he is, the way he makes you feel.  You know,you are special.

During Chester's time with Andy, (name changed), it seemed that nothing really amazing happened.  In fact the therapists' "Plan A" went to about a "Plan C"  after we arrived.  Plans just changed.  That happens.  And, to top it off, Chester seemed especially distracted  ~ like bouncing BALLS, like children's NOISES, like dust particles FLOATING in air seemed to grab his attention.  And though he did fun activities with his boy, it was like he had trouble focusing.....like he had ADD for a day.  

As we drove home, I glanced at Chester resting his head on his paws on the backseat.  I thought ~You know isn't that just life. Some days, most days probably, are like that. Plans change, life gets confusing & distracting, trouble focusing, and we stumble through and do the best we can ~~ praying that at the end of the day, something mattered.

Just an ordinary day...

Perhaps though, maybe ordinary is more-extra-ordinary than we think.  I mean REALLY, how ordinary is it that a furry hound-dog can even walk into a Rehab Hospital, let alone get kissed on the head multiple times by his boy, just for being there, distracted or not.
         Maybe...I need to rethink this ordinary thing after all.