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.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I'm totally in tears.

[Leslie and Halas]

That's great.  Way to go, you guys!

[Debi and Monty Moose]

What a wonderful story Jarka! I hope my Monty grows up to be as wonderful as your Monty. It is a great feeling to make such an impact on a life and probably something she will never forget. I used to work in a hospital and it is truly amazing to see the miracle of healing that can take place....thanks to these wonderful creatures. Give Monty a big hug for me and thanks for all you do as well. It really does make a big difference in these peoples lives.

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

I had goosebumbs reading your post!  It is a wonderful thing to share our dog's ability to give comfort, with others.  Bless you for doing this!!!    Keep doin' what ur doin'!!!

[Carol and Banjo]

Oh my,   I'm all goose-bumps and teary eyed.   How amazing that Monty made such a positive impact in this woman's life during a most trying time.     YAAAA Monty!!!!!!  

[Cyndi, The Boys & Callie]

This is a beautiful story and I have tears in my eyes.  Too many times we think a grand gesture is needed when being able to give a pat on the head and look into those sweet doodle eyes means so much more. 

[Julie, Boomer, Milo & Casey]

Beautiful! I love this picture too.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Simply wonderful. You are doing such a good thing.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

I'm planning on writing the lady back and sending her this picture of Monty "reading" her card. If you click on the picture, you can actually read what she wrote. I must be getting old and soft. I do cry over animals, I just have never cried over strangers. I think Monty taught me to do that.

[Willow and J]

What a beautiful story! I also became much more compassionate person after Willow arrived in my life. It's amazing what our dogs do to us.

[Lynda Kamrath]

How sweet!  It makes it all very worthwhile having a therapy dog.  Enjoy the moment.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jarka, what a wonderful story and how great you must feel knowing that you and Monty brought so much happiness to this lady at a time when she needed it so much. How nice that she sent a card to tell you. Thanks for sharing, and I love the photo. Looks like Monty would make a good reading therapy dog, too!