Nursing home visit

[Ann W]

Yesterday, Charlie and I when to see people in the nursing home. This was our second visit to this home. Charlie has already been adopted by a couple of people. However I encounter something different. A man had asked us to come over to his chair. While he was petting Charlie I asked if he had dogs. He started to cough and then started to cry. Charlie just sit there and let him pet him. I found that I felt so sad for this man and I was not sure what to do or say. So this is what I did" I put my hand on his arm. This seems to help a little. Then he told me about his dog. I not totally clear of all the facts, just that he doesn't have him anymore. He is in the Long Term Care unit of the nursing home. I told he could adopt Charlie. Charlie loves big familys. We stayed with him until he was calm
again. A couple walking by an aked if Charlie could visit with her mom . Which we did . This left me feeling better. I just would like to learn more about these type of encounters and how other handle them.

[Karen & Lucy]

Ann, you did the perfect thing. I would not of changed your approach at all. Even though the man cried, Charlie brought so much joy to him. He evidently misses his dog terribly. This is why I have Lucy and what I want to do, to bring joy to someone that is shut in and loves animals. When my mother was living, she had advanced Alzheimer's disease, she would get a big smile on her face as soon as she would see Lucy. She would call her "Lucy Ball". So, Ann & Charlie, keep up the good work. You and Charlie have just earned a jewel in your crown.