Over the past few challenging COVID-19 months, doing virtual visits with the kids in the UCLA neuropsych units has been a real learning experience. It’s been a challenging process of trial and error.
During our in person visits, as soon the dogs arrive, the excitement level goes up. The hospital setting fades away as the kids dance with Gus or give Stanley a belly rub when he sprawls on the floor. I’ll even catch kids who claim they’re not interested, sneaking a peak or smiling at a trick.
The virtual visits are kind of like those television shows that are taping remotely without audiences. Without the physical presence of the dogs, it takes a lot more to get the patients engaged and keep them involved.
One morning, with a little luck, it all came together and I saw what was possible. The dogs were relaxing after our walk so I had the younger kids yell, “Wake up Gus and Stanley.” That immediately got their attention…the dogs and the kids.
Gus, having a painful skin issue, was 
wearing a “cone of shame.” When the kids saw it they instantly commiserated with him. It was touching to see how they forgot their own problems while they were worrying about his.
ELBEE He was milking it for all it was worth.
When I put Stanley in a hat and glasses, it drew a lot of giggling. One boy couldn’t believe that Stanley would wear the glasses. Another suggested I dress him up like Sherlock Holmes.
In the teen unit they were very involved playing cards so I knew the dogs were going to be a tough sell. Then I noticed two of the boys playing chess. Genuinely curious and impressed, I asked where they’d learned.
One of them said that his father and his uncle had taught him when he was very young. I was fascinated when he shared that he’d earned a chess merit badge when he was in the cub scouts. Who knew?
ELBEE I was a grand master in my day. I tried to teach Gus and Stanley when I was still there, but they got stuck at checkers.
The easy conversation led him and the others to ask about the dogs. They commented on Stanley’s size so I let him stand and put his paws on my shoulders. That brought a lot of laughter.
Not for a second did I take their involvement for granted. I was so grateful to see the enjoyment in their facial expressions and body language. I was also grateful that during this pandemic, the therapists at UCLA have found a way for us to keep sharing the magic of the dogs, even virtually. There are some days when it works and others when it doesn’t but the moments of connection are priceless.
