Sa-Ba-tch-ka

I drove my car for the first time in awhile and it felt great! I missed my car! It is 10 years old - and only 86,000 miles! Barely broken in!! We had the windows down and the top open, cruisin' on Mission St, enjoying the sunshine! We returned to a Residential Care facility today where many of the residents are Jewish - hence the SaBatchKa title - meaning small dog!!

We started the day in one of a few Activity Rooms. Again, Gabby is really good at sitting in their laps now. For some people she is a little too heavy - she weighs about 20 pounds. But, many want her to lay in their laps. Of course we did the upside down hug - that is the most popular. We stayed in this room for about 30 minutes and proceeded to the Dementia Floor.

The head nurse is a very energetic man. He had about 6 balloons tied together and Big Band music playing loudly. The residents were tossed the bundle of balloons and they had to hit them back to the nurse. Everyone seemed to enjoy this game! Gabby isn't too fond of balloons and is cautious around them. At first she watched them play and then discovered that they were not part of her routine so ignored them. She sat on about 5 different laps, gave lots of upside hugs and was very patient.

One lady grabbed her around her neck and had a pretty tight hold on her. This is why they man-handle them pretty good in the training exercise. Thankfully, Gabby sat real still and I was able to undue the woman's hold.

I know this site is all about Gabby and HER experience, but I am very intrigued with this floor and always experience something myself. I respect the individuals and am not trying to make light of their situation - Lord knows it is a HUGE challenge - but I cannot help to find it quite humorous with some of their actions. At times, I feel like we are in a movie and they are all acting!! The nurse in charge is truly amazing, taking it all in stride, making it a FUN and positive environment. We stayed in this room for another 30 minutes.

We made our departure and headed back home. With each visit I see Gabby being more and more patient and still when people are holding her. In the beginning, she would wiggle around in their laps and now she knows to be still.

Another successful job!