What an Experience...

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

Perhaps I should have only posted this in the Therapy Group but here goes....

Fozzie and I visit a near by hospital on Monday nights and have been doing so for 3 years now.  It is one of the major highlights of every week.  Fozzie knows what is in store for him as soon as I turn onto the final road to the enterance doors.  When I snap on his red collar and leash (his uniform) his tail pops up higher, there is a bounce in his walk, and he heads for the nearest person who he is sure wants nothing more than to pet him. 

He has a routine as we make our round of visits (waiting rooms, mental health, and general medical care rooms), he wiggles in and leans on anyone in a chair, I'm sure he feels they are "trapped" and must pet him until he is ready to move on.  He makes sure everyone in the room pets him at least 3-4 times going from person to person.  If they stop petting before he is ready to move on he gives them "the look" to remind them of the rules, "once you start petting there is no stopping until HE is ready."  I'm sure he thinks all those folks came to that building just to pet him!! 

Well this past Monday we had such an experience that I just had to share...

A family was around the bed of their mom/grandma who was in her last stages of life when Fozzie and I walked by.  One daughter saw me and came out of the room to talk, she said her mom loved her dogs and if awake/alert would have loved a visit.  She said she just didn't know if her mom would even know Fozzie was there.  I told her often patients are aware of more than we know and we would come in if they wanted.  We went in and Fozzie who usually moves from person to person went right up to the bed and layed his head right next to the woman's arm.  Another daughter picked the woman's hand up and put it on Fozzie's head and held it there telling her mom there was a dog there.  The woman never opened her eyes but her eyebrows went up and down and her head shifted toward us.  Her hand slid off Fozzie's head.  He just stood there with me peting him then the woman lifted her hand enough to brush the top of Fozzie's head again.  Her face also continued to show little signs of expression but she never opened her eyes.  When her hand stopped moving I rubbed Fozzie's ear hair on the back of her hand for another couple of minutes then noticed she had gone into a deeper level of sleep.  Our job was done.  Through it all, maybe 5 minutes, Fozzie didn't move one bit.  I believe he KNEW that woman needed him.  The family was so moved to see a response in their loved one.  I was so proud of Fozzie!!!

I have only seen Fozzie act like this just a few times. 

I'm not sure who got the most therapy from this night the patients or me.   Our Doodles have such an amazing ability to comfort those who need them the most!!   

I so appreciate having a place to share this experience - THANK YOU!

 

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

Thank you all for your kindness and understanding for what this experience with Fozzie meant to me...

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Cathy, This is a beautiful story and no wonder you are so proud of Fozzie. What a wonderful gift you gave that family and especially to the mother. Dogs are amazing in so many ways. Thank you for volunteering and thank you for sharing.

[BG and Gavin]

What a beautiful story.  I am so glad you shared it on the main page to inspire others.  Fozzie seemed to know just what the patient and her family needed.  Thank you both for making these important visits.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

What a beautiful story. How special of Fozzie to bring joy to the Mom. I think you gave the family a memory they will always cherish.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Thank you for sharing those precious moments. It is often the small things in life that make the biggest impact. 

[cheryl & oliver]

Fozzie is just such a special doodle,,His goodness shines outside and inside...Thank you for sharing such a sweet story.....

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

So Fozzie is beautiful from not only the outside but also his sweet inside!  Nice story. 

[Sharon & Monty]

AWESOME!  Way to go Fozzie!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

What a beautiful story Cathy! How lovely for the family and the woman to have Fozzie by her side. I'm sure she felt his presence and the love he was sharing with her and her family. God bless you and Fozzie for being there during this time of passing.

[Julie, Boomer, Milo & Casey]

Beautiful!