May 2018 – Me and the Doods.com

Gratitude

There’s something about Gus that makes the kids in the hospital want to keep him. I think it’s the cute, cuddly factor plus he fits in their laps. Even Metta World Peace felt the same way last week. By the way, that’s a tough post to follow.

Awhile ago, a little boy in the neuropsych unit at UCLA very seriously offered me $68.00 for him. I told him that I was so sorry but couldn’t sell Gus for any price. This week two boys in the teen unit really wanted to buy him. When I shared with them about the boy who had offered me $68.00, I was impressed by their reaction. They truly understood how much that amount of money must have meant to him. Then the bidding war started. When I turned down a million, one of them even went up to a trillion!

ELBEE I bet she she was tempted.

The interchange was light and fun. It totally took us out of the hospital setting. It made me think, as I often do, about the priceless work of therapy dogs. They may perform in different ways and in different settings but the heart of what they do is the same.

They offer comfort from pain, whether physical or emotional. They calm and soothe. They may even coax a reluctant smile or an unexpected laugh from someone having a rough day. They distract from a difficult reality

At times the challenges they face are almost incomprehensible. My cousin, whose sons graduated from Majorie Stoneman Douglas High School, told me that a team of Golden Retrievers had been brought in to offer comfort to the survivors of the mass shooting. Sadly, there are so many places in this country where they are needed right now.

There is a mirror with a message on the wall at Providence Tarzana Hospital that speaks so beautifully to the work of the dogs. It says, “Look at who’s making a difference. You have the power to be a healing presence in someone’s life today.” I tried a selfie with Gus but got mixed results.

ELBEE She really should have let me handle the photography.

On this Memorial Day weekend, a time of remembrance, respect and reflection, I feel such gratitude to be on the path where the dogs have led me. It’s hard to believe the journey began in 2006 when my beloved Charley taught me about pure kindness. He was also a mentor to Elbee and especially to Gus.

In the past, I’ve shared my feeling that his spirit still guides us. Nicole, the daughter in the first picture with Gus, took this amazing photo. You may think the halo is the light at a special time of day. I believe it’s Charley’s way of letting us know that he is keeping a loving watch over Gus.

Gus’s Three-peat

Gus has a three-peat with the Lakers. No, he didn’t win a championship but he has worked with their organization on three separate occasions. At Halloween he met Brandon Ingram at Mattel Children’s Hospital. In April he charmed two of the Laker girls at an event for UCLA’s mobile stroke unit.

And this week may have been his biggest Laker moment yet. In recogntion of mental health awareness month and the Laker/UCLA partnership, Metta World Peace (formerly known as Ron Artest), met with students at the Geffen School of Medicine. Very open about his own issues and supportive of others who are struggling, he was there to discuss their daily stresses and challenges.

Since dogs are such an integral part of mental health and health in general, three of the People Animal Connection dogs, Gus, Elbee and a handsome Great Pyrenees mix named Finn, were also there to take part.

GUS The Lakers really seem to like me. I don’t understand why they’ve never asked me to try out. Is it because I can’t dunk?

ELBEE The poor little guy is clueless. It’s his ball handling skills.

We all headed to an outdoor patio where Metta earnestly chatted with the medical students about the pressures they were facing. He moved easily from group to group, asking questions, posing for photos. He even handed out some of Gus and Elbee’s trading cards.

The dogs did what they do best. They mingled with the crowd, making everyone relax and laugh. Well, Elbee did grab a bagel from someone but other than that he was quite the people pleaser.

ELBEE Bagels are my weakness. If you don’t want me to steal one, don’t wave it near my face

In case you were wondering, of course Elbee and Gus were purple and gold for the occasion. Would I pass up the opportunity!

After some extremely positive interactions with the students, we brought the dogs to a private room upstairs where Metta was going to do some filming. The people directing thought it would be a great idea to have the dogs sitting around him as he spoke. Finn and Elbee settled at his feet. Then, and I’m not quite sure how it happened, Gus landed in his lap.

ELBEE It was only my size and dignity that kept me from doing the same thing.

As he gave the interview, Metta gently started petting Gus. It was so natural and easy. For his part, Gus was so relaxed that he fell asleep. As I watched them together, I thought what could be a better endorsement of dog therapy. Without saying a word, they have the uncanny ability to put us in a comfortable place.

Strike Busters?

ELBEE A few days ago I did something for the first time in my storied career as a therapy dog. I crossed a picket line. I’m not a scab. I’m more like Switzerland. Besides, I’m a lover not a fighter.

GUS Surprisingly, I’m slightly more political than Elbee. Remember, I ran for mayor but I did run as an independent (Gus for Mayor?).

This week, as part of a larger movement, there was a 3-day strike at UCLA Medical Center. It included service employees (e.g. nutrition, housekeeping, security) as well as patient care technicians (e.g. respiratory therapists, radiology technicians). Also involved were healthcare professionals such as pharmacists and social workers. Many nurses were on strike for part of the period.

Wednesday, our scheduled day at the hospital, the strike was going to be in full swing. I was given the option of staying home with the Doods if I felt uncomfortable. After some consideration, I decided to bring them in. It wasn’t at all a politically motivated decision. It was more about bringing comfort when and where it was most needed.

When we arrived at the hospital, the picket line was stretched across the driveway. I admit it was a bit intimidating. Then one of the strikers held up his hand to signal the crowd to let us through.

Our first stop was at the command center in the basement. Several people were sitting in a line of desks against the wall, waiting to deal with whatever problems might arise. After greeting everyone and sensing that they could really use a break, I asked if they’d like to see the dogs do some tricks. I got an enthusiastic group “yes.”

ELBEE Pack Leader can’t resist a captive audience but the little guy and I were fabulous and got a big round of applause.

If I still had any doubts about bringing the dogs in that morning, they faded away as we visited our regular neuropsych units. A girl on the verge of tears gave a shy grin when Gus curled up in her lap. A severely disturbed teen who had barely responded to the dogs on our last visit, smiled and chatted as he interacted with them. Another patient, who knew the dogs well, laughed and called out “encore” after they did a few tricks. From the time we arrived until the time we left, the mood was light and happy.

Once back in the lobby, I lost count of how many staff, patients and family members came over to hug and pet Elbee and Gus. Many quietly thanked us for being there. Even a police officer we met enjoyed a moment of stress relief.

Driving home, I felt very emotional as I thought about the morning. Therapy dogs don’t take sides. They don’t judge. They offer comfort to whomever needs it. They are there to heal, to love, to provide moments of calm. Simply put, they do their job, albeit in a spectacular way.

“I Vant to be Alone”

ELBEE In case you’re wondering, she got the title of this post from Greta Garbo in Grand Hotel. Yes, I binge watch the classics. A Star is Born is one of my favorites.

Last week when I picked up Gus from his groomer/stylist Marsha, she asked what I thought was an unusual question. She wanted to know if he had a place at home where he could be alone.

It seems that sometimes after their baths, Gus would rather sit in his own area than wait with Elbee, the diva who barks constantly. It may be that Gus wants to avoid guilt by association.

GUS Don’t get me wrong, I love the big guy but sometimes he’s a loudmouth. I feel very zen after my bath and need a little peace and quiet.

ELBEE Excuse me for being entertaining. I like to practice my singing. I also have a lot to say if anyone would bother to listen.

I hate to admit this but I’m starting to believe that Elbee actually does talk. Not like he does here and not like that Husky who says, “I love you,” but with his barking. It’s not random. When my husband, who now wants to be included in my posts, tries to talk to me, Elbee interrupts. When someone comes into the house, family or friend, Elbee will make noise until they give him their undivided attention.

I realize that’s why the hospital setting is so great for him. He holds court. When he falls into the laps of excited kids in the neuropsych units, he’s in heaven. It’s like Cher playing Vegas.

GUS Does that mean I’m his opening act?

Despite being pack animals, dogs, like people, sometimes need their own space. At home the dogs will often hang out together. There are other times, though, when they want to be alone, especially after working.

Charley used to head for the walk in closet. Elbee likes to lie down behind the bathroom door. Riley, our 15 year old Golden, has staked out a spot in the laundry room.

Gus, on the other hand, has a throne. It’s an old leather ottoman in a corner of the hallway, originally put there to cover up an area of carpet that the dogs had eaten.

ELBEE The leather is “faux” and I am innocent. It was Gus.

It has become Gus’s perch. Unlike the others with their quiet, private spots, he likes to sit where he can see out the front window. He has become a real people watcher. Elbee and Riley never bother him when he’s on his throne.

Gus has also developed an unusual habit. He steals my shirts out of the closet. I found a few scattered on the floor. Then I found a couple more hidden behind the throne. It was a little stalkerish but cute. Come to think of it, maybe he needs a little less alone time.