A Room Full of LOVE!

Today we went somewhere NEW!! It was farther than I am comfortable traveling, but we made it and I am soooo happy we did! Gabby was loved and gave so much love today!

As we made our way around the activity room of many seniors, Gabby sat still at their feet, would lay down at their feet, want to be held in their laps and gave soooo many hugs!

One of the employees made the comment, "With Gabby here, the room just filled with so much LOVE!!!"It is true. You really can FEEL the atmostphere elevate! I thought it was just me, but others feel this too.

I tell everyone Gabby's name. They speak to Gabby in many different languages, and when Gabby hears her name at some point in the sentence, she quickly turns her heard toward the person and they usually laugh out loud and get the biggest kick out of that! Gabby acts as if she totally understands that language! I GET A KICK OUT OF THAT!!! hahahaa

One thing I've noticed that most people enjoy is when I give a doggie treat to them and THEY are allowed to give it to Gabby. It's funny, I think it is universal hospitality.....everyone wants to give food! They seem to enjoy that.

Today I also received my 2nd KISS! A woman was kissing Gabby, saying, "Muy bonito!" Then, she stopped, looked at me, felt my cheek and said, "Muy bonito". Then, she kissed ME on the cheek!! I LOVE MY JOB!!!

"One of our favorites!"

Yup, "One of our favorites!" is what Gabby and I were told today after our visit. We've been to this facility a few times and feel very comfortable. As we were leaving, we were told that they really enjoy our visits and we are one of their favorites!

It is always good to hear that we are on the right track. I don't have much to compare our visits with, but I'd say we make a pretty good team!

We'll probably NEVER forget this day because Gabby actually got SOCKED in the face!! A fist was made and POW!!! Right in the nose!! Yes, sometimes elderly people can loose their senses. I was pretty shocked! I told the woman to be gentle and to be nice! She looked at me as if she were a small child that misbehaved. I waited a minute then asked if she would like to be nice to Gabby and she said she would. Gabby ended up giving her a hug and the woman was able to pet and treat Gabby nicely.

We must be on the look out for this type of behavior sometimes. It is easy to assume everyone is in control, and unfortunately, some are not. This explains the reason why part of the Animal Assisted Training is a test of 'Strong holding and strong petting'. Thankfully, Gabby didn't seem to be bothered by this sudden action. We continued our way around the room, telling stories about Gabby, and attempting to get a few smiles.

I haven't blogged our visits for awhile. Life sometimes gets too busy and I apologize. Thankfully, we are still out in our community, spreading the love, learning SOMETHING with each visit and always striving to do our best. If we end up being a favorite in the process, that is an EXTRA bonus!

The mind is an amazing instrument - and in dogs too!

This was her answer when I asked if she was ready to do her job and see her friends!

I think she is saying, "Yes Mommy, YOU BETCHA!"

We returned to the same location we visited 2 weeks ago. On our first visit, we parked the car and started walking up the sidewalk. Gabby hadn't been here before so she wanted to keep walking instead of taking a hard right and walk up the ramp. Today, we parked the car and started walking up the sidewalk, and she took the hard right to go up the ramp. She remembered?

We were about 15 minutes early today so we got right to work. Our first patient was in the lobby. She took one look at Gabby and said, "Oh, I can tell, here is a special guest! I can tell, she is ready to get some loving and I think she came to the right place!"

We made our rounds, starting on the 3rd floor, making our way down. There are about 16 rooms on each floor, each with 2-3 patients in each room. Many were in the hallways so Gabby did not get to rest on many beds today. I know she was disappointed with that.

One elderly lady in the hallway was wearing her sweater and she told us that her husband was going to pick her up today and take her home! She was very happy about this. She also told us, "When you see my mother have her call me on her cell phone." Another lady in her bed asked,"Why am I here? I don't understand. One minute I agree to go to China with a nice lady, I fall into a deep sleep, I wake up and here I am! I have to be somewhere in 5 days so I have to leave. So, why am I here?"

Looking and listening to these woman, one wouldn't think anything indifferent. Our mind is an amazing instrument. I am always intrigued by these conversations. Nothing like getting a good dose of reality. Everyone grows older each day and we all must embrace each and every day and live to our fullest, without regrets.

Our last visit was with our 105 year old friend. She is sitting in a chair at a table. As soon as her hands touch Gabby, she opens her eyes and bursts with joy. She strokes Gabby, smiling brightly and sweetly tells Gabby how she is so special. I turn Gabby upside down and she gives a nice long hug. At 105, our friend beams receiving such a hug. It is the BEST!

It did not take long and she was OUT for the ride home.

Excellent job Gabby. You DID get a lot of love today, but you sure gave a lot too!!

Record breaking kisses RECEIVED kind of a day!

After a few vacations, we are slowly getting back into our AAT job! Gabby has also been out and about, staying with friends and family and providing so much love to all. At one point, she worked overtime! While staying with our friends for one of the weeks, my friends father passed away. She said, instantly, Gabby began kissing her while she was crying and mourning this loss. Gabby knew my friend needed to be comforted and went right to work. My friend was very thankful to have Gabby near. They are big dog lovers, and their dog of 15 years passed 2 years ago.

A few weeks ago Gabby had a job that I did not blog about because we've been having a very busy summer. Since there was such a gap between visits, Gabby did not run around and get excited when I told her she had a job. It was as if she'd forgotten what the word meant!! As we drove over to our location, she was not looking out the window getting excited either. Uh Oh!! But, when we got out of the car, she was in better anticipation. She did great but seemed to be a little tired. We had not been home much with her so my take is that she just wanted to stay home and be with us.

But, today we visited a new facility and as I told her that she had a job to do and brought out the special leash, she ran in her circle and was clearly ready to go. We reached our Health Care facility where many patients were elderly and needing hospital type care and some were recovering from surgery. We visited 3 floors going to individual rooms and 3 different activity rooms on each floor. We were BUSY!! It took 1.5 hours!!

Most were dog lovers but a few shook their heads or told us they were not interested. One lady was 105 years old and I think she enjoyed Gabby the most!! She looked GREAT too and she also gave the most kisses to Gabby. In fact, I think Gabby received MORE kisses than she gave today! To me, it is pure delight when I hold Gabby upside down - her favorite position - and she snuggles into the person's neck. Usually the person will turn their face, close their eyes and kiss her neck. It is truly the sweetest thing to watch. All of the sudden this elderly person is receiving love and affection and able to give it in return. This is my favorite part of Gabby's job. I wish I could photograph the moment for you too.

Being in this environment is not for the 'weak stomach' individual though. The smells and things you see can be disturbing. If you are thinking about visiting the elderly, just know that it is sometimes like that. I have always admired the nurses and health care providers and appreciate them even more seeing it in action.

Gabby received so many compliments today from the staff too. She was very relaxed and calm. Her most cherished time is still when she is allowed to get in bed with one of them. It is so funny! She cuddles right in and her tail is wagging in circles as she lays there! She looks at me with eyes that say, "See mommy, I am in someone's bed!" She knows how big of a treat it is! hahaa!

We have one more vacation then we'll be back into more of a routine with school starting up again. We'll visit the same place on August 4.

Til then, keep making people smile and enjoy each and every healthy day we are given.

Taking a short break

Gabby and I had to take some time off from her job. She is doing well and ready to celebrate her 3rd birthday on Saturday, April 17! Thought I'd add what she's been up to.... ;-)

As soon as we have our next job, I'll be sure to post it!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Pillow Queen!

I just had to post this one of our crazy Pillow Queen! Isn't the couch soft enough? Why the pillows? To sit up higher? This is how we found Gabby one afternoon. Gotta love it!

FINALLY!!

Since I was sick the last TWO appointments, we were FINALLY able to do our job today!

We returned to a residential care facility for the elderly that we've been visiting many times before. Again, this morning when opening the front closet door and telling Gabby she has a job to do, she ran in a circle and barked! I have to video it the next time to share!

I drove around the blocks many many times before finding a parking spot. Hate that part! I left in plenty of time and I was almost late!! When I told the hostess about the parking issues, she told me next time to go ahead and park in the passenger loading area in front of the building! YES!! Problem solved!!

As we waited by the front gate, Gabby was peeking through the bars, watching, waiting. When the hostess appeared and walked toward, Gabby started wagging her tale and getting real excited! We entered and met a few people in the lobby area. Many people were being escorted to the main room where the Arm Exercise class was about to begin. I need to talk to the Activity Coordinator and suggest that we arrive at least 30 minutes prior because everyone is in this class instead of visiting with Gabby.

The few that do not attend the class are always happy to have Gabby to themselves though. Thankfully, Gabby remembered the 'Come-a-hoppy' command and enjoyed sitting on a few laps. One man in particular enjoys Gabby the most. The hostess walked over and told Paul, "It's a good thing Gabby is here, sitting on your lap or you would be taking a nap!" With the attention from Gabby he is awake, alert and talking!

I let Gabby sit on their laps for awhile and we talk about funny Gabby stories. Today I mentioned that I wish Gabby could talk. Paul said, "She DOES talk - she talks Japanese! I understand what she is saying!!"

We stayed for about an hour in the lobby. Lunch was being served so I told Gabby, "Let's go for a ride in the car!" She continued to sit on Paul's lap. Not moving. I said it again in a more excited voice! Still nothing. No movement! She liked it right where she was! She is so comfortable and content in these environments.

It was a special time sharing our love with only 4 people. We were able to really connect and be still. Maybe I won't suggest we arrive earlier! hahaha

We get in the car and Gabby curls herself up in the backseat and goes to sleep. Good JOB Gabby!!