Monty got a letter

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

I had my first teary moment since we started hospital visits with Monty last October. We went in with Monty as scheduled last Sunday and after I checked in on our floor a nurse hands me an envelope saying "this is for you".  I opened it to find a thank you card from a patient that we had seen three times in the last month. And it was not just a simple thank you. The whole card was filled with handwriting, even the back of it. I got all teary reading it.

The lady was from New York. When we were waiting for our patients' assignments one Sunday, a nurse came to us saying that perhaps we could visit room 911 since the patient was pretty upset and had a hard night. She must have been fresh from her lung surgery, she was in tears and in pain when we got to her room. An older lady, clutching on a rosary. Her husband by her side along with two nurses trying to make her more comfortable. She bursts into more tears as Monty comes near her. She caressed Monty's head as she drifted off to sleep thanks to the anxiety drugs the nurses administered.

A week later we are back in the hospital and a nurse comes running to tell us that Dorothy was talking about Monty the whole week. I was actually amazed that the patient remembered anything about the visit. So we go into her room again. This time she was much better, sitting in a chair. Her husband still by her side. Happy tears rolled down her cheeks as Monty peeked his head into her room ones again. 

On a third Sunday, we are back again. Before our hospital visit, I actually printed a couple of letter size pictures of Monty for Dorothy in case she was still there. She was. And it was a good timing since she was being released the day after. She was beyond herself to be able to see Monty for the third time and she loved the pictures.

How nice of her to actually go home and send a card to me and Monty, hoping it would get to us somehow. I knew that therapy dogs make a difference for patients, but this experience definitely hit home.

[Hazel & Chester Wayte]

What a sweet story and Picture..of Monty reading his letter. It is so nice to know you are making a difference in patient's care and lives. How special.

[Tammie Ciesielka]

Now I'm crying too...what an impression you & Monty must've made for that patient to send a letter without even knowing your name.  Funny how God puts you in the right place at the right time.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

That is so beautiful. The photo is great too. What a wonderful thing you are doing.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

That is such a sweet story.  Thank you for sharing with those of us that aren't lucky enough to be able to do something as rewarding as therapy work with our doodles :)

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

WAY TO GO MONTY! He is making a difference in so many lives!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Jarka, this is the sweetest story ever.  I am in major tears and love for Monty and the woman.  These Doodles are so amazing and so loving.  Thanks for sharing this wonderful story.

[Gail and Bailey]

What an awesome story!  Bless you and Monty!

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Hugs to sweet and beautiful Monty!  Thank you for making people feel special and loved!!  

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Awwww....I am very proud of Monty and you!! Way to go!

[Sheila & Finnley]

Oh what a beautiful story. It must have really touched that woman deeply to take the time to write while she was still at the hospital. You and Monty are doing special work together. It is nice to know you are making a difference !

[DJ & Chance]

Thanks to you and Monty for making a positive difference.  Such an adorable photo of Monty reading his letter!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I love the photo!  What a wonderful thing you and Monty are doing.  Just thinking of her seeing this picture brings tears to my eyes.