Willard and the Bronze Star

I haven't been able to get Willard off my mind.  I keep thinking about, reliving, picturing, yesterday's visit with this heroic gentleman. Willard, our new friend, lives on the 2nd floor in a local retirement community, the floor where precious men and women battle & live with the disease called Alzheimers.  

Willard and Chester seem to have a special connection. I think it has to do with God, and His kindness. Though these two met only a few short months ago, there is a bond between them that I cannot explain. And when we visit, Willard's memory kicks into gear.  

On our first visit to see Willard, Chester jumped onto his bed, uninvited I might add, and gave continuous kisses and snuggles. It was love at first sight, slobber, and tail wag.

Amazingly, with each return visit there is recognition, memory, and connection. I cannot explain it. All I know is that something special happens when Chester prances into his friend's room.

Which brings me to yesterday, Friday.  My friend, Dori, who is a therapist to these dear ones, took us to Willard's room once again.  In her loving and enthusiastic voice she announced, "Willard, guess who's here?  It's Chester!"

Willard, who was curled up & snoozing in his bed, opened his eyes.  Dori gently turned on the lamp by his bed and touched his shoulder.  He frantically began searching for something lost under the sheets and blankets.   His teeth :-).  Dori helped him find his lost treasure, he put them in and relaxed, stretching out his hand to find his furry companion.

His eyes shone, and happy sounds came, as he patted Chester's soft head.  I sat on the chair next to his bed, Dori stood at the foot.  We both watched, staying quiet as these friends greeted one another. 

After a time, Willard took his hand off of Chester and patted the bed.

"Would you like Chester to lay next to you?" I asked.

He patted again, and turned over on his side, making a place for his friend.

I motioned for Chester to climb up.  It took awhile to find just the right spot, but Chester nestled in.

Willard's aged hand rested atop Chester's paws, stroking them continually.  Gently. Chester watched his companion, sometimes resting his head on Willard's side.  Content to just be there.

Dori pointed to the wall. "We honored Willard on Veteran's Day in our church service here," she told me quietly.  

I looked to the wall, focusing on  a large, framed, certificate of honor.  I saw his name.  Willard.  A Veteran.  A Hero.  Awarded the Bronze Star*.   1952. 

This war hero, over 6ft in stature, lay curled next to Chester. I thought of his life, his sacrifice, his love for country, his heroism.  I had no words, as I watched these two, very content just to be together, enjoying the warmth and company of one another.  So sweet, so tender. I felt I was standing on Holy Ground.

I don't know how long we stayed, 10, 15, 20, minutes.  I have no idea. I was just thankful to be there. And I prayed... Dear Lord, please bless this dear man.

Before leaving, I gave Willard a picture of Chester.  His eyes sparkled a bit. The nurse set Chester's photo in a treasured place, right next to the worn Bible on the shelf.

We waved our good-byes. We will see you next week, Thanksgiving Day~~an appropriate day to visit such a dear dear man, a beloved hero and friend.

*Bronze Star:  The fourth highest award for bravery, heroism or meritorious service in the U.S. Armed Forces.   Willard, we love and honor you.

It's Been A Long Time....

 

Melissa gave Chester his squirrel, obviously he LOVES squirrel.
(Almost as much as he loves Melissa)

It's been a long time since a TAIL has been told. We've been traveling a bit, and missed a few weeks of Pet Therapy.  Chester has missed his people and they have missed him.  Me too. 

Yesterday was Melissa day. WOOF WOOF and woot woot.  Chester could hardly wait to get down that hallway, around the corner, and into his girl's physical therapy room.  Smiles and wags abounded.  When Chester gets excited he sort of  forgets the rules~ he gives kisses before he is invited, gives hugs on laps without being asked, and moans this pathetic sound,  that is like "ah-woooo-arrrr-wooo".  Pure love, what can I say.

That's what happened when Chester saw his Melissa and Peg (superMom) and Denisha (therapist who does NOT like slobbery Chester smooches).  No manners.... just love oozing out all over.

During Melissa's physical therapy we had a blast.  Melissa had incredible throws and balance, while Chester retrieved countless tennis balls with limitless expressions and personality, barking continually because he was so excited to play ball with his girl (the entire building knew Chester was on site.)

A few times, the poor guy got distracted during retrieving, like when he passed a pile of toys--- he just could not help himself, the smells were too yummy, and the toys too inviting....and he dropped the fly-ball,  sauntered 'n sniffed. Melissa laughed so hard she fell into her therapist's arms....and once again laughter filled the room. Eventually Chester returned.  Peg put her thankful arms around her daughter's best friend,  bear-hugging and snuggling the goofy pup.  Moms need pet-therapy too.

Melissa tried this new exercise position.  It's hard to explain.  Let's just say she did an incredible job making a bridge for Chester to jump over or go under.  Melissa chose OVER.  I had visions of flattened cubscouts dancing in my head. But, if Melissa wanted over, over it would be!  I commanded Chester O-VER.  Not a problem.  He sailed over Melissa's amazing bridge position, with room to spare, (which made me wonder a bit about that squished cub scout...and what Chester may have been thinking?...hmmm).

And then....this is very cool.  Melissa walked down the hallway, the entire hallway, with no crutches to support her, only the railing & Chester's leash.   There are two places on the hallway where Melissa has to pass by open doorways, nothing to hold on to.  No railing, no crutch, nothing.  Just air.....and Chester.

Denisha (non-dog-kissing-PT) said Melissa made her best steps ever.  We all cheered, but Chester stayed steady by his buddy. Denisha went on to say she felt Melissa's huge success was because her focus was on walking her golden friend not on herself, or the fear & anxiety that come with nothing to hold on to.    I mean really, how cool is that?

I'm so thankful.  I love these days.  These moments. Melissa. Peg.  Goofy-God-gifted-Goldens. Even no-dog-smooch-Denisha. :-)
 

Makes me cry happy tears.  Good therapy for us all.

One Flattened Cub Scout

Chester was invited to his first Cub Scout Meeting this week.  How thrilling is that?!  It ranks right up there with squirrels and Pup-er-onis on Chester's top ten list.  Boys and pups, a match made in heaven for sure.

In the Cub Scout Pledge these young boys salute the flag with honor, promising to obey and help others.  Those words describe these amazing Scouts, as well as Chester.  That's why Chester was invited.  woof woof & woot woot

During the meeting, I had the joy of telling Chester Tails  to Scouts and parents. I shared about where we go,  what we do, the fun we have, and the hope and encouragement we get to bring to others.  And then, Chester and I did a few demonstrations of how we HELP others   ..... which brings me to the title of this post. eh-hem.

During demonstration time ~

One Scout pretended to have a hurt leg, (let me tell you, this boy should have earned an academy award for his owie-leg performance) and desperately needed crutches to get around. Ohmy.   Chester stayed right by this young man's side with every painful step.  That went well.

Next, Chester and I demonstrated reading time. I was going to pretend to read to Chester while he lay QUIET and STILL, focused and listening. And so I sat on the floor, asking Chester to lay by my side. He nestled in next to me, then proceeded to roll onto his back,  moving back and forth and back and forth while SMILING, and wiggle wiggle wiggle, with his legs spread WIDE showing everyone everything, and making funny doggy noises.  So much for quiet reading time.

Next he demonstrated sit-ups and doggie kisses.  That went pretty smoothly.  Slobbery but smooth.

Then it was time for over and under.  A very brave Cub Scout volunteered to make a bridge, you know kneeling on all fours so Chester could crawl under, then jump over.

Under went great.  Chester army-crawled right under this little guy.  Yeah!

Over, not so great.

I commanded Chester, OVER!  Rather than leap over his Cub-Scout-Friend in a single bound, umm, he sort of used him as a spring board for 70 lbs. of flying leap, flattening the poor little guy spread eagle on the floor. Of course the entire room erupted in laughter and applause (of course ALL the parents were there too ~~ including the parents of the boy who was smushed into the carpet).

I mentioned to the hard-to-get-back-in-control group that typically this is not how it's done during therapy.... 

Because it is important for Chester to end on a positive note, NOT thinking he gets applause and laughter and reward for flattening Cub Scouts, I asked this courageous boy if he would mind letting Chester try the over-command one more time.   He gave me this you've got to be kidding look, but kindly agreed to my request (I think that is the HELP OTHERS part of the pledge). 

And so, the Brave Scout returned to the all-fours position and braced for impact, closing his eyes.  I gave Chester plenty of room to get a running start and commanded him OVER! 

The room was silent.

And OVER Chester flew, ears flapping, tail high,  not touching even a hair on the little guy's head. (Thank God!)

The Scout rose up to cheers and applause.  So did Chester.

Thankfully......no Cub Scouts were injured in this Canine Demonstration.  

Chester the Beer Bouncer

So tonight Chester and I went to the Chamber of Commerce Mixer.  We were mixing a bit, meeting people.  There was this nice woman sitting on a couch and she obviously wanted to meet the Chester-bud. We went to meet and greet.  Chester was so excited to say hello, he wagged his fluffy tail extra-big and swooshed her beer right off the coffee table (oopsie-daisy).  She was nice about the whole thing, and Chester and I did our best to clean up the spill.  The bummer for her was "they" only allowed one drink per person at this Chamber Event.  The good news was some kind soul did find a way to bring her another full glass.   (Sounds a little bit like the my dog ate my homework line that I have heard at least a few times ;-) ...)

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.