The Alzheimer's Floor & Miracles

My across-the-street neighbor works with Alzheimer patients at a local retirement community.  She invited Chester and me to come visit  on PET DAY.   I thought, hmm, I will fit right in.  I have a Pet, and my memory is fuzzy.

Dorrie, my neighbor, well ~ she is absolutely amazing with these precious men and women.  So engaging, loving, honoring, always saying the person's name with a warm, enthusiastic greeting.  She knows each one.  Knows and loves. What a joy to watch her love on "her" people.

Chester and I began Pet Day with group time.  Everyone was seated in a big circle facing Chester. Dorrie introduced us.  We greeted each person individually, some wanting kisses, some not. Some wanting paw shakes, some not. Some just wanting to rest a hand on his head, or scratch his back.  Ahhh.    Chester performed a few canine tricks ~~ his latest, Ta-Da! Take a bow, please!!  Was a complete hit, and he took a bow like a pro.   Too cute. 

Next, Dorrie took us to some private rooms ~ some patients do not like to venture out.  Two people I will remember most of all.  Janet and Willard.

We walked into Janet's room. Dorrie enthusiastically introduced us, and , Yes!, Janet wanted to meet Chester.  We walked up to the side of  Janet's bed.  She could not reach to touch Chester, so I gave him the command for "up" -- which means paws-up-on-side-of-bed.  Well, err,  I thought I gave him the command for "UP".  Actually, I had given him the command for "jump ON the bed!" (as I said, I fit well on this floor). Chester looked at me as if to say, "Really, ya mean it?"  And before I could say "WAIT, what did I just say???"  He was ON Janet's bed in a single bound. Ohmy.   And Janet was laughing.  So was Dorrie.  I asked Chester to please get down, and then gave him the proper command.  He sort of did this half on, half off, bed position, laying across Janet's lap. Honestly it seemed to work well for the two of them so I let him stay.  Janet talked about her dog, the one she had many years ago.  Her eyes sparkled. We gently engaged in conversation about dogs on beds,  slobbery dog kisses, and I listened to her puppy dog tails from long ago.   And then it was time to go,  "Please come again," were the words I heard as we walked out of Janet's room.

Dorrie looked at me in amazement, going on to say ....  Janet is one of our most difficult patients. Very discouraging, so hard to get along with.  Dorrie was quick to explain, Janet is not rude, but the disease is.  I understood.  Dorrie's eyes filled and  she continued to explain, this day was a miracle for Janet.

And Willard.  Apparently, Willard is much like Janet in how the disease has affected him.  AND, Willard nodded "Yes!" to a visit from Chester.  After entering Willard's room, Chester did not wait for a command, he simply looked at Willard, and JUMPED gently onto Willard's bed, snuggling beside him.  Willard smiled big, with the few teeth that he had, and began to make happy sounds.  His large, wrinkled hand rested on Chester ~~ he pet him over and over and over and over again.   When it was time, Chester slid off the bed, and we wagged our goodbyes to Willard.  As Chester trotted down the hallways,  Dorrie looked at me, "You have no idea what a difference you are making... I've never seen this."

We visited at least 10 rooms.....Chester only snuggled ON two beds, Janet's and Willard's.   The two that needed (and wanted) him most of all.

Chester,  you totally make me smile, ....Ta-Da, Please Take a Bow!

                                        
                                   

Woof Woof for Sundays!

 

"OK if I take my squirrel to show the kids?"

"OF COURSE !  :-)"

What a great Sunday.  Full.  Yes!  Good?  Yes!  Traveling a good distance morning and evening to reach our destinations, we cruised over hill and dale, (Chester's ears blowing in the wind), through lush green farm land ripe with endless rows of corn,  passing crowded Amish buggies on their way to and from their Sunday Meetings ~~ to at last arrive at OUR meeting places.

Our meeting place on this Sunday morning was a 200 year old beautiful stone Presbyterian Church (oh the stories it could tell) , filled with delightful people who were celebrating God's creation....pets.  Chester and I shared with a group of adults and children about Our Lord and KPETS, telling God stories, stories that many you have already heard. On this Pet Sunday,  we met new friends, young and old, Chester even  met a few new furry friends, 5 dogs, 1 cat, and a not-so-furry-snake (thankfully, a caged in snake), to be exact.   What a paws-i-tively wonderful morning :-)

In the evening, we traveled the same country roads to a different Church, to share at the opening evening for a Vacation Bible School Event. Another amazing 200 year old stone Church nestled in the southern hills of Pennsylvania. This beautiful steepled-building  had a cemetery attached with multi-century old gravestones..... and today's fresh memorials.  Arriving early, we respectully wandered the edges. There were many that caught my eye and heart, imagining the stories.    A fresh marker .... he bravely served his country in WWII.....married his best friend.....beloved father......and grandpa....and at times laughed uncontrollably.    awe.  I would have liked knowing this man. 

Back to our evening at the church on the hill.  Noah's Ark theme for VBS.  Chester was the featured animal of the evening!  WOOF WOOF.  I shared about God's amazing creation, so thankful God included dogs on the ark!  Shared God/Chester stories....and told why this pup makes such a good good therapy dog.  Why?  Because he LOVES to love, and LOVES to obey.  WHY? Because he knows his master loves him and is worthy of his trust.

After group time we visited each classroom from pre-school to Junior High.  It was a full evening for Chester ~ 2 hours of meeting/greeting/petting/tricks/therapy examples/listening/ball chasing/waiting/paw shaking/being attentive to MY voice constantly/brushing/tail tugs/ear rubs/and belly scratches. 

It was a HOT evening.  HUMID evening.  The Sunday School rooms had no AC. Chester was one hot dog, and I was pretty drippy myself.  BUT---- he was a champ.    From laying on the carpeted floor with pre-schoolers, to winning the hearts of Jr. Highers...  He did everything I asked of him, and more.  With tail waggin'. 

He deserved a T-Bone.

He came home and collapsed.

It's morning.  He's still snoozin'.

What a good boy :-)

 

Mourning Glory and Tail Wags

Mourning Glory ~ A camp for kids who have experienced deep loss, due to the death of a loved one.

KPETS ~ 4 legged friends who bring tail wags, joy, and comfort.

Yesterday Chester and I, along with 6 other KPETS teams, visited Mourning Glory Camp. It was the first day of camp.  Arrival time was 9:00 a.m. Counselors and campers were all a bit anxious.   And at 9:00 a.m., three furry and smiling golden retrievers in yellow vests, were on site with their owners to help break the ice, calm the nerves, lighten the burden, and bring some joy to hurting hearts.

The arriving campers, who were immediately placed into the care of a counselor,  seemed to randomly rotate between the Goldens ~ Chester, Hunter, and Sammy ~ settling into the spot they felt most comfortable. Sammy, an oldie Goldie,  lay under the shade of a giant Elm, while children sat close, asking questions and stroking his soft fur. Hunter roamed, walked,  layed down, and performed tricks, as kiddos snuggled in close to catch a peek and a hug.  

Chester was in full retrieval mode, which was a huge surprise to me, especially in the extreme heat (100 degrees plus humidity).  On days such as these, if I throw the ball for him in the backyard, he looks at me and says "you've got to be kidding...." and heads back into the AC.  But for his kids, he will retrieve neon green tennis balls until the cows come home. Which he did.  And they gave him a kazillion pupperoni treats as reward.  He was in dog heaven. Tail waggin' and tongue draggin', he had a ball, and so did the 3 kiddos who played with him. One little girl especially stole my heart.  She was missing her two front teeth.  Every time she held the tennis ball high and said "Chester sit!"  it came out "Hector thit!"  And Hector thaat for her with pleasure. Too cute.

After retrieving more times than I could count, and taking a few walks around the Pavilion loop with each of his kids, he was an especially hot-dog. There was a hose attached to one of those pump thingy faucets.  A little boy and his counselor got it working....and they aimed it at Chester. Water sprayed everywhere while Chester chomped and romped in the cool stream, splashing everyone who was near ~~~ giggles and laughter erupted.  Of course his head was drenched, and the boys promptly gave him a classy Mohawk on top of his furry head.  More smiles.

After an hour of fun, our KPETS replacement teams arrived right on time. One hour in the extreme heat is enough for our furry friends. A Springer Spaniel, Standard Poodle, Sheep Dog, and another Golden arrived, ready to love and romp with these precious kiddos for the 2nd hour of camp.

Laughter and giggles are good for the soul ~~ Hector and I were blessed beyond words to be with these oh-so-precious-children at Mourning Glory Camp.  A Glorious Morning indeed.

Chester (also known as Hector) resting after a good day's work.

Protector & Friend

It was a snowy Tuesday afternoon.  Chester and I were visiting some of our  friends at the Presbyterian Church in downtown Lancaster ~~ this is where adult education classes are held for a group of very special adults with different forms of special needs.  Our friend Katey was taking her turn to walk with Chester, enjoying a stroll around the crowded multipurpose room,  Chester proudly keeping pace alongside her wheelchair.  As usual, I walked on one side of Chester, holding one lead, while Katey gently held and balanced her leash on the arm of her automatic chair.   With each loop around the carpeted room, Katey confidently gave Chester gentle commands.  He was more than delighted to obey her, Katey is one of his favorites!  Katey, the very first one to pat the side of her wheelchair and give the "UP!" command, instructing the furry hound to lay across her lap where she can easily reach and pet him; Katey, the one who exclaims with each visit, I love Chester! I want to take him home with me!

On one of the laps I heard a whistle.  Chester perked his ears.  The was room filled with a dozen or so students and caregivers, it was difficult to see who the noise was coming from. As we neared an outside exit door I noticed the man, dressed in winter hat and coat,  who was repeatedly whistling, trying to get Chester's attention. We paused a good distance from the door, Chester sitting quietly nestled between me and Katey. The man continued to watch us, making the Here Boy! type of whistle-tone.  Assuming he was one of the driver's for the passenger vans waiting outside, I asked Chester if he would like to greet the man.  Chester looked at me, and I gave the OK to be released from Katey's side,  asking him to heal as I took my first steps towards the door.

Chester, halted, not following my direction, but positioning himself in front of Katey's chair. My canine buddy stood firm and still, eyes fixed on the stranger. I sensed Chester's tension, and I followed his lead.  We stayed put.

The man turned, leaving the building.
  

As soon as we heard the click of the closed door,  Chester repositioned next to Katey,  ready to travel once again, relaxed and tail wagging.

My eyes met Katey's. 

"I think he was protecting me," Katey said. 
     

"I think you are right."

"May I give him a treat?" She asked.                

"I think you may give him a kazillion treats!"     

I handed Katey a few Pup-Peronies from my pouch. Chester, protector and friend, gently rose to Katey's hand and GLADLY received his reward.

Chris and Victoria, continued.....

On this particular Monday evening, Chester and I were cruising down the highway headed to training.Unexpectedly somone unzipped heaven and it began POURING. Even with the "wippers" on high, it was hard to see.  Our kids always called them wippers, not wipers. Thus to me, they are wippers.  I almost turned around, but chose to forge ahead. I'm glad I did.

Chester and I, soggy and soaked, stood in the training room waiting for class to begin.  All I could smell was wet dog(s).  I was thinking, this is not fun.  Then I felt thump thump thump,  and the splattering of a soggy tail against my legs ~~ Looking where Chester was looking, I saw the reason, Victoria, Chester's friend was heading towards us.

Victoria, the petite redhead with the sparkly eyes.  Victoria, of Chris and Victoria. Remember Chris who needed a bit of a God and Dog Miracle Moment to pursue getting an assistance dog?  (read Chris and Victoria)   My jaw was like dropped open in disbelief...and my arms opened wide to greet her.  Chester went from sit/stay to wiggly-bouncy-bonkers. After wet hugs all around, ( and Victoria explaining that Chris could not be here, but she decided to come alone just to watch) well, she went on to explain that shortly after our God-appointed meeting months ago, Chris filled out the application  for an Assistance Dog, interviewed, and long story short ~~ Chris is on the waiting list for a canine companion of his very own. HOW COOL IS THAT?  Victoria, EXCITEDLY relayed the whole story... while Chester  listened and smiled (yes smiled), obviously understanding every word.   My jaw was still dropped open....lovely.

Fast forward 3 weeks. Chester and I joined Chris and Victoria for a wheel chair training day for doggies and handlers. I can't even begin to tell you the joy I felt watching Chris with an assistance dog -- even though this handsome black Labrador wasn't  his dog, even though it was just a practice training time, it was this glorious picture of  what was to come. I deeeelighted in watching these 3 work together, the trainer constantly encouraging and instructing both Chris and the Black Lab how to move and work as a team.

There is this scene that is freeze-framed in my mind and heart.  Chris and his 4 legged black buddy stood waiting at the door to go outside.  This look came over Chris's face that said, How do I do this, get me and the dog out the door?

 "Chris, tell him to open the door." the trainer gently instructed.

Are you kidding?

Chris gave the command.  The lab, gently rose-up to the door handle, and with his mouth, opened the door for Chris.  And out they ventured...into a whole new world.

My jaw is still dropped open... 

Stay tuned........ more God and Dog stories to come.  I know it!

Parking Lot Conversations

After an hour of visiting and playing with a few little boys at the Domestic Violence Shelter, Chester and I were escorted out the heavily secured doors and into the parking lot.  A group of moms stood visiting, pausing on their way to go inside and pick up their children.  As Chester and I passed them, one mom stopped us.


"May I pet your dog?"


"Yes, of course."


"Will he bite?"


"No, Chester won't bite."


"Never met a dog that didn't bite."


"He might lick you, but he won't bite."  I smiled


She relaxed slightly, and reached toward Chester.
"He's a nice dog."   
Hesitantly, she patted him on top of his head. 
" Do you ever hit him?"


"No, I've never hit him.  All he's known is love."  I rubbed his ears.


"Never met a dog that hasn't been beat."
Chester stood still and quiet, a cautious, gentle hand resting atop his head.
 "He's a good dog. Don't you ever hit him."


"I won't. ....I promise"


She turned to walk toward the door, looked back once and said, "Thanks."


"You are very welcome."


One brief conversation, in one tiny parking lot.  My eyes were opened wider.  I am thankful she is here, a place where the hurting and battered and broken can find a voice and a pathway to healing.

 

 Papa, please, will you bless and protect
this courageous woman and her children.
Amen.

Just a thought about Squirrel Chasing

Speaking of Chester and Squirrels...
I was having a ruff few days. Kinda felt like I slammed into the side of a car, an unexpected wham on an ordinary day.   So where do I run when I hit the wall? Back towards the squirrel, or to my Master?