1st therapy visit

[Kathy Janes]

Mater did his first therapy visit tonight. He was really a hit with the kids. It is a support group for children who are grieving a loss. I learned a few things to watch for though. He was a little stressed at the new situation, then really excited when other dogs came. He wanted to play and it was hard to keep him calm until the kids came. When they did, he was really good with them and they loved him. However, he was a little to "hands (paws) on" and mouthy. Some of the boys started wrestling with him, which he loved. I need to watch for this though and not let them do that again. He had his mouth open and one of the boys somehow got his nose bumped by teeth. Nothing really happened, but in the boys mind Mater "bit" him. I was mortified! The same child continued to play with him, but it was a situation I don't want to ever be repeated. I wish there were more opportunities for interaction like this so that Mater would get more accustomed to it and not so excitable. They do want him back though. Other than that one incident of being too rowdy it was a successful first time!

[Adina P]

The first time I read this wrong and thought you said "They DON'T want him back.." *PHEW*
Glad the kids enjoyed him...I'm sure he totally brightens their day =)

[Linda and Murphy]

What a great place for therapy. My niece (her newborn son died last November) was visiting last weekend. She fell in love with him. She said she would name her doodle Marshall. I asked why..
"Because he looks like a giant marshmallow."

Murphy has his first therapy visit Saturday at an assisted living home.
Murphy is a lot like Mater. I am going to watch his "hands".
My nephew's twin 2 yr old boys came to visit and were throwing the tennis ball for Murphy. Ian had the ball and wouldn't throw it so Murphy (all 95 lbs) took the ball away in his mouth. All we heard was "Murphy bite me". fortunately we were all watching.