The Down Side To Therapy Work

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I just read on line that one of mine and Sophie's favorite Nursing Home patients passed away on Sunday.  He was one of the 1st people to make us realize that doing therapy work was worth it and was going to be ok.  It won't be the same going to the Veteran's Home and not checking in to see how he is doing!  He always shared such wonderful stories with us.  We will miss him greatly!

[Leslie and Halas]

I'm sorry for your loss. But at least you know that you and Sophie helped make his life a little better.

[Jersey, Jasmine, Jypsy and Diane]

So sorry about your friend. Having worked as a recreation director in a nursing home and bringing my dogs in with me, I know how you feel. It is very hard to get attached to someone and then suddenly they're gone. But that's life and no one escapes death on this earth. Remember the light you put in his eyes and others when you visited. I'm sure it meant a lot to him to know you cared, and to his family also. Having a dog there gives the family something to talk about and look forward to. We always had a lot of family and friends visit whenever my 4H dog club was scheduled to be there. Many residents had to give up their pets when they came there and the feel of their soft fur and a big wet kiss would just make their day. I would take pictures of them with the dogs and give them a copy of the picture. It meant so much to the resident and their family. Life in a nursing home can be hard. Just remember your being there, with Sophie really brightened their day and lifted their hearts. Keep up the great work

[Eva]

Dear Lucy & Sophie,
I too am sorry to hear about your friend passing away. I couldn't have said it better than Jersey, Jasmine and Diane did. Think of all the wonderful smiles you brought to their faces when you went to visit. You can never take that away from your memory. How happy a quick visit makes some people is indescribeable. There will be lots more joy to be given over the years. You are right, it does hurt and I never know how long the pain will last, but keep at it. Soooo many people depend on your visits.
I got a call last Sunday from one of my regular patients. She had slept through our visit and felt so horrible. When they went out to the courtyard, they didn't see anyone out there, because I had already left. She assumed no one came out to visit and that I wouldn't come back. So from now on, I told her everytime, I'd come knock on her door and find her, so she wouldn't worry. In fact, there were a dozen people playing with the dogs. But that she was so concerned to call me and reassure me to please keep coming, touched my heart. We do make quite a difference in their lives. Eva Dahl

[Susan, Zeke. Lily & Jasper]

We too have shared this experience recently. Zeke made a big impression on a particular long term resident in the nursing home we visit. This man also passed a few weeks ago. He was much loved and had really become family to a lot of the staff there. Many of them talk about this man's reaction to Zeke on his first visit and this seems to bring them comfort as they remember their friend. Eventhough it hurts terribly to loose someone, it is a great comfort that we brought joy and helped create good memories. For Zeke & me this is what therapy work is all about and I know it's the same for all of you who give of yourselves so generously. Keep on sharing those Doodle Kisses!

[39x8w26r5r8w5]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss....Tuba and Iget so attached to some of our patients, that it is hard to finally walk away and start in another direction. We do feel that we have made a difference in some of our Hospice People, so it is all work while.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Just thought that I would update you all on our first trip back to the Veteran's home after our friend passed away. Today was supposed to be our 1st visit, but we are projected to get many inches of snow today so we decided we would go yesterday instead. As we were going down the hallway where his room was I was a little sad, but as we approached his room, right across the hall, another gentleman was coming out of his room. We had not met this man before. He got a big smile on his face and started chatting with us and petting Sophie. As I said goodbye that we would be moving on down the hall he said wait a minute, I want to show you something. He took us into his room and he had photo albums spread out on his bed. He said I want to show you my wife. 30 minutes later we said our goodbyes after seeing pictures of his wife, his daughter, his Army buddies and hearing many stories about his life. He was very lonely yesterday so we were very happy to be able to brighten even a little portion of his day. We now have a new friend to look forward to visiting when we go next time. Thank you all for your words of encouragement!

[Ann Kendig]

I just read your post and update! I am very sorry about your loss but I know you and Sophie brightened the day of a special person. When I go to the nursing home to see my mom it breaks my heart to see so many lonely, forgotten people. I commend all of you that take the time to make another's day brighter and bring some joy into their lives. Thanks to all of you!

[Elaine]

There is a definite down side as it is very easy to get attached to the patients. Leo stops at one particular patients door, we visit him frequently and try to spend as much time possible with him. He seems to be getting weaker each time we come. He used to get out of bed and literally get on the floor & play with Leo....now he stays in bed. Leo knows if invited this is the only bed he can get on. He'll lay next to him and just relax and let him pet him. It does break the rules but.....Leo does make him smile, so for at least this one patient the rules went out the window.