Covid-19 – Page 2 – Me and the Doods.com

The Power of the Dogs

ELBEE Is someone stealing movie titles again?

Wednesday was Gus’s regular morning at UCLA, although, when it comes to therapy dogs, there is no such thing as a “regular” morning, especially since COVID. With the dogs in and out of the hospital so many times, there is almost a collective sigh of relief when they walk in.

With tail wagging, Gus greeted everyone from the crew at valet parking, to families in the lobby to staff. We finally made it up to Resnick on the fourth floor.

As we went from one neuropsych unit to another, starting with the kids under twelve and ending with the adults, there was such a pervasive sense of joy and again a sense of relief.

After a long morning, we headed down to the take-out Subway in the basement of the hospital. It’s become an informal tradition to meet Jen, the manager of PAC, and Donna, human to Gus’s buddies Tommy and Finley, after the dogs make their rounds.

Without saying a word, we all understood how fulfilling, and at times how difficult, the morning had been. As our little heroes rested around us, we began sharing some of the special moments.

I mentioned a young man who was hugging Gus as he told the group how badly he wanted a dog. Awhile later, as we were leaving the floor, we saw him in the hall, carrying his bags, ready to go home.

He rushed over to tell me how much the visit from Gus had meant to him. He said he was glad that he hadn’t been discharged earlier because he would have missed it. He added that Gus had changed his whole mood. He was so earnest and sincere, it almost brought tears to my eyes.

A severely autistic, non-verbal boy focused long enough to put his hand on Gus’s back. It didn’t seem like a lot to me but the therapist said it was “major.”

Tommy and Finley had been in the PICU cheering up very sick children. Donna mentioned three in particular that had been critically ill. One was a seventeen year old boy who smiled and chatted with her while he cuddled the dogs. Only later did she find out how gravely ill he was and that he rarely smiled.

As conversation flowed, I was suddenly overwhelmed. I thought about Gus offering comfort in one area of the hospital while Tommy and Finley were comforting children on another floor. Donna and I were holding their leashes and making sure they were doing okay but they were truly showing us the quiet power of therapy dogs everywhere.

I Hope Something Good Happens to You Today

Walking with the dogs, I saw this sticker on a car window.

ELBEE She got the photo off of the internet so that the people wouldn’t see her skulking around their driveway taking pictures.

It really inspired me. Right now, more than ever, we need to send each other positive messages.

Coincidentally, on the neighborhood page, which at times can be not so neighborly, someone had posted a photo of sidewalk chalk art that read, “thanks for the music.” It was to show appreciation for a neighbor who had to resort to front yard rehearsals during COVID.

The sticker made me think about how fortunate I am that good things happen to me every day when I’m with the dogs. Instead of guilt by association, I get “good” by association. With Gus and Stanley back to work, I feel the same overwhelming gratitude that I have each and every time we’ve returned over the past two years.

At the adult day health center, the man who only smiles when the dogs are there, met me and Gus at the door with the sweetest grin on his face. It’s almost like our little secret. He stayed with us as we made our way through the room and never stopped smiling.

Stanley was visiting the teen neuropsych unit at UCLA when a girl who was sitting on the floor next to me very quietly shared that he reminded her of Charley, my very first therapy dog. She had been a patient several years earlier and said that she’d never forgotten him.

**Stanley & Gus in their official** **Tarzana Hospital bandanas**

At Tarzana Hospital, a nurse told she didn’t know how she’d have made it through the morning without some dog love. A woman outside a patient’s door just wanted to hug Gus. Her aunt was very ill and also had severe dementia so visiting her was extremely stressful. Gus gave her the strength to go back into the room.

Now I’m hopefully going to make something good happen to you by giving you a laugh.

ELBEE That terrible segue made me laugh.

Last week I wrote about the dogs’ quirks, including that Henry sprints across the yard after he poops.

HENRY Why is she bringing that up again?

Hearing the story, a friend told me an even better one. She had a Dachshund with a very strange habit. Every time it pooped, it would run three circles around it!

And how about this photo of Gus, who turns eight this week, playing peekaboo under Henry who is ten months today!

Sometimes It’s the Little Moments

With the world still such a mess, I thought that sharing a few positive, personal moments might be a good way to go.

Let me begin with one that could have gone terribly wrong. I was starting up a trail with Henry when a woman on an adjacent trail yelled “Hey, clean up after your dog!” Since I’m a fanatic about cleaning up after the dogs, I was a little confused and, to be honest, offended.

ELBEE Trust me. She’s like the poop police. I was almost afraid to go.

I assured her that Henry hadn’t gone and told her that one of my pet peeves was people who didn’t clean up after their dogs. Then I showed her the four bags I had with me just in case. To my surprise, she began apologizing profusely.

ELBEE Trail rage incident averted.

When I walk on busy streets with Gus and Stanley, we take up most of the sidewalk. If someone is approaching, I will often step aside and wait for them to pass. The other morning, an older man saw us coming and moved over to give us room. When I said “thank you,” he smiled, nodded and did the prayer sign. It was just so simple and sweet.

Later, we were in a crosswalk on busy Ventura Boulevard when a man and his preteen son passed us going the other way. Suddenly, the boy waved enthusiastially and called out. “Thank you so much. I taught my dog the tricks the way you told me.”

I realized we’d met them a few weeks earlier. After interacting with Gus and Stanley, they told me that they had a pretty rambunctious puppy at home. The boy, who was working hard to train it, asked me for a few tips on getting his dog to do some tricks. How nice to hear that it had worked out.

Yesterday, I was on the phone talking to someone about getting repairs done on the house. We had spoken several times before so she knew about the dogs and their schedules but we’d never really discussed them.

As we were about to say goodbye, she said “I have to tell you something.” She admitted that she’d never thought much about what therapy dogs could do until recently. She was in the hospital and they’d brought one to her room. In her words, “I was delighted and forgot my pain.”

That brings me to one more very positive note. At UCLA and Tarzana Hospital, we are all in the process of getting ready to bring the dogs back in to visit again. In these trying times, who doesn’t need a little dog comfort and love.

When Was the Last Time You Wore High Heels?

It’s hard to believe that we’ve been dealing with COVID for almost two years. When Punxsutawney Phil stuck his head out on Ground Hog Day, I don’t think he saw his shadow. He just saw the continuing craziness and decided to go back to sleep.

We’re all still searching for ways to cope. Early on so many people took up new hobbies. They learned to paint, to sing or even to sew. Unfortunately, I wasn’t one of them. Others became gourmet chefs.

ELBEE She’s lucky if she can find the kitchen.

Some people began cleaning out their houses and reorganizing cupboards. That wasn’t me either. Then, recently, I had an epiphany.

ELBEE That’s a very strong word.

I was sitting in the closet, looking at all of the clothes I hadn’t worn in forever and decided it was time to let some of them go.

ELBEE That’s an epiphany?

It was the shoes that really struck me. There were all sorts of high heels that had been on the shelves for so long they had dust on them. I didn’t know if I could still walk in them. Tennis shoes, casual flats and cozy boots are all I’ve been wearing.

ELBEE They go with her sweats.

Out of curiosity, I texted a friend to ask her the last time she’d worn heels. She couldn’t remember.

As I started to sort through everything, the dogs came in to keep me company. They hang around me and my husband so much I’m not sure if it’s because they miss their hospital visits or think we need therapy. There’s hope that they may be allowed back in later this month.

GUS & STANLEY Let us pray.

While I was hard at work, I happened to glance at the mirror on the wall. For some reason, the lighting in that closet gives very good muscle definition when you flex.

ELBEE Is anyone wondering how she knows that?

It had been a long time since I’d done it but how could a former bodybuilder resist flexing? Was I still the buffest granny on the block?

HENRY What is she doing?

ELBEE Don’t ask.

After about an hour, I decided I needed a break and went outside. Of course the dogs followed. As I was relaxing, Stanley and Henry suddenly stood up next to me and put their paws on the wall. They both looked so tall!

Stanley is fully grown but at eight months, Henry has a ways to go. I realized that with me shrinking and him growing, we could end up the same height.

ELBEE Maybe she should hold on to those high heels!

Reaching Out Again

Lately, on social media, I’ve noticed lots of photos of beautiful sunsets, flowers and lovingly prepared food.

ELBEE She’d have to post a picture of a take out container.

I remember this happening early on in the pandemic when people were trying to cheer each other up with some normalcy and positivity. Now, nearly two years later, with all of the divisiveness and uncertainly, we’re reaching out to each other once again. I’ve even started seeing some of the chalk art on the sidewalk that first appeared in the early days of COVID.

When I walk the dogs, it seems as if almost everyone stops just to say hello or to talk for a few minutes. I’m sure they’ve seen me with the dogs for so many years that there’s the comfort of familiarity. One man told me that I was a landmark in the neighborhood.

ELBEE Isn’t that an old building?

We have such a need to connect and Gus, Stanley and Henry are the bridge to that connection. A woman saw Henry from across the street and called out “I heard you got a new one.” She then ran over to meet him.

A man that I only know casually from the neighborhood was petting the dogs as he shared that his wife’s cancer had recurred. A workman with a U.S Army sticker on his truck hugged Henry as he told me that he had PTSD. These encounters would probably not have been the same before the world turned upside down.

We had a Zoom call this week, that thanks to the dogs, became another moment of connection. When we do virtual visits with the kids in neuropsych at UCLA there’s a lot of activity and interaction. I was a little nervous because one on one with a very ill patient is a different experience.

I was told that the patient loved animals and had requested a visit with one of the PAC dogs. He was very disappointed when told they weren’t allowed in the hospital right now, but agreed to a virtual visit.

Not sure if all three would be too much, I included Henry. As soon as I signed on and saw the smiles on the faces of the patient and his wife, I knew it had been the right decision. They laughed when I told them they were getting “three for the price of one.”

The conversation flowed comfortably as I introduced each dog. I told them about what they do and answered their questions. And yes, I showed them a few accessories.

ELBEE She couldn’t help herself.

As the patient tired and fell asleep, his wife and I chatted for a brief time before we said goodbye. I signed off, grateful that they had reached out.

Hanging with Henry

During all of our very special hospital visits in December, it was hard to imagine that at the same time last year, we were on Zoom. It was even harder for me to believe that last Wednesday we were back on Zoom. The dogs are out of the hospital until at least mid-January so a call with the teens in the neuropsych unit at UCLA was better than nothing.

On the bright side, Henry was able to join in. At seven months, he’s way too young to be certified to go into the hospital, but on Zoom, puppy antics can be pretty entertaining. The kids would rather see a dog chase his tail than do a perfect sit.

ELBEE I wish they’d had zoom when I was a puppy. I could have gone viral if that was a thing.

Competing with his brothers, Henry has become much more patient about accessories. He’s also learned about hogging screen time. Midway through I had to escort him out of the room for a few minutes so that Gus and Stanley could perform uninterrupted.

ELBEE Personally, I thought he was more entertaining.

Last month Henry graduated from beginning obedience. I admit there were moments I had my doubts like when all he wanted to do was was watch the children in the adjacent playground. He was also distracted by an adorable little puppy named Q-Tip. We had to separate them in class.

I was actually amazed at how well he responded to commands. I would like to take the credit but so much of it was from hanging around with Gus and Stanley.

To my husband’s delight, he has also learned how to fetch. Our last dog that would fetch was Cody, a Golden who predated all of the Doods by years. Even Riley, our more recent Golden Retriever, had absolutely zero interest in retrieving.

The way Henry brings the ball and hangs out with him has helped Doug get used to Henry’s size, since he wasn’t expecting him to be quite so large. Speaking of size, at his check up this week he weighed in at 73 pounds, up from 47 in October!

I brought Gus for his check up too to give Henry some moral support but it was totally unnecessary. Once Dr. Sanders dropped down on the floor next to him, Henry loved the attention. He even gave him his goofy smile.

As we were watching a movie last night with the dogs gathered around us, I realized that in these crazy times, I am especially grateful for the way that Henry, Gus and Stanley have integrated into such a copacetic pack. My husband and I have three live-in dog therapists.

Happy New Year…I Hope

In my Thanksgiving post, I shared how grateful I was that Gus and Stanley had been allowed to resume in person hospital visits. I was overwhelmed with joy at all they were doing in the month of December.

Still, there was a part of me that worried every time I heard how quickly the variants of COVID-19 were spreading. Then last week it happened. The other shoe dropped.

ELBEE Is that the appropriate expression?

I received an email from UCLA that the dogs wouldn’t be allowed into the hospital until at least the middle of January when everything would be reassessed. I wasn’t surprised at all, it was inevitable, but I was truly sad. In a way, it was a fitting end to a crazy year.

To continue on the crazy theme, we had more rain than I can remember in what seems like forever. It was welcome considering the drought we’ve been having, but created a few problems as it went on for hours. I received a text from my next door neighbor that a large tree had fallen and was blocking our street. If they hadn’t been out to dinner it would have landed on their car.

And do you know what it’s like to have three dogs who want to stay outside in a steady rain?

ELBEE Excuse me. Then why is she sitting there with them?

When Doodles get wet, they get soaked. It takes a lot of towels to dry them! We had already decided on a quiet New Year’s Eve at home. I just hadn’t planned on doing laundry.

ELBEE Interesting. She did laundry last New Year’s Eve too. Someone needs to get a life.

My husband Doug gets dual credit for this New Year’s picture. He’s already the in-house photographer. Now he’s the stylist. When I suggested the Dollar Store for props, he did so well that I may hire him again next year.

It can be a real challenge getting all three involved but it also brings some much needed laughter. In the chaos of tiaras and boas, they take us away from everything happening in the world. They add so much joy and comfort to our lives.

My hope for 2022 is that they will be back at work, doing what they do best.

Happy New Year!

Christmas Presence

This week, thanks to Gus, Stanley and two of their friends, I received more Christmas presents than anyone could ever hope for. It began on Friday when I took Stanley to Tarzana Hospital.

After warm greetings in the lobby, I was walking down the hall when I was drawn to an amazing picture on the wall. It was of a quilt with elastic at the sides to simulate a mask. The squares, designed by Providence caregivers, were touching tributes to the strength of the human spirit.

Moved by the messages and so happy to be there with Stanley, I took him upstairs to cheer up the staff. He was just what they needed, better than eggnog or a Hallmark movie, my guilty pleasure.

These pictures say it all. He got two spontaneous thumbs up. Then he offered some holiday love.

On Christmas day, my friend Donna and I carried on a tradition that we started a few years ago. We brought Gus plus her two Bichon, Tommy and Finley, to cheer up the young patients at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital. It was so special to be there because last year COVID-19 kept us away.

Tommy and Finley are Gus’s best buddies in the People Animal Connection. They’ve developed a beautiful rhythm in working together. Tommy and Finley are sweet and adorable. Gus kind of adds his own special style to the mix.

As we went from room to room, the dogs brought such comfort, even to the critically ill children. In some instances, it seemed to benefit the parents even more. The holiday is such a difficult time to have a child in the hospital. The visits gave them a moment to breathe.

While Tommy and Finley were cuddling with a young boy, I had Gus do his little dance and then put him in a Christmas hat. The boy smiled and even laughed softly. Donna later shared that when they had visited him a few days before there had barely been any reaction. The three dogs together had won him over, to the delight of his parents.

No matter how long you’ve had the privilege of working with therapy dogs, there is always a sense of wonder at seeing what they can do, especially at this time of year. Their simple presence is a priceless gift.

This was reinforced by all of the staff who came into the rooms with us. You could sense the smiles behind their masks. As we were leaving the PICU, one of the nurses commented, “This was truly a Christmas miracle.”

‘Tis the Season

As Gus and Stanley were doing holiday visits this week, it was hard to believe that around the same time last year, I was waiting for their Zoom call to start and seeing if I could still do a headstand.

ELBEE The pandemic made her do some very strange things.

My friend Mary had mentioned that she did one every day as part of her yoga practice so I became a little obsessed. It took a few attempts and the dresser for support but I did one and survived to go on the call with the dogs.

ELBEE It was hard to watch. Thank goodness they’re back in person.

Gus, his buddies Tommy and Finley, plus tiny adorable Abby, the newest member of the People Animal Connection, joined the UCLA marketing department for their outdoor Christmas luncheon. They were more of an opening act than featured entertainment but they still brought lots of joy to the festivities.

I had a special moment walking through the lobby to reach the garden. The seemingly reserved young man behind the reception desk saw Gus and broke into a huge smile. He thanked me so sincerely for being there and said that the dogs were such a blessing.

On Thursday, it was the big dogs’ turn. Stanley and Toby, a Bernadoodle, were the featured act at a pet visit station on the patio at UCLA, greeting people as they came in and out of the hospital. It’s only recently that the monthly visits have returned, so there was such excitement at having them back. I don’t think anyone walked by without stopping for some dog love. There were countless photos.

STANLEY I felt like a celebrity.

I admit there was another reason for so many photos… costumes. In the past, I had decked out the dogs for Christmas but Zoom really made me step up my game.

ELBEE Is she forgetting that she once dyed us red and green?

Not to mention that Jen, the manager of PAC, knows my weakness for dog accessories and has contributed to the cause. Sequin antlers, Santa hats, red sunglasses. It was Halloween in December.

With everything so uncertain, I am very grateful that, at the moment, the dogs are able to do what they do best. I am also grateful that dressing them up makes people happy. The smiles and laughter are true gifts of the season.

ELBEE I’m grateful that she doesn’t feel the need to do headstands at these events.

Gus Is a Solo Artist at Heart

With the ongoing challenges and uncertainty, or maybe because of them, the dogs have been in greater demand than ever. Watching them work after all of this time is its own reward.

On Wednesday morning Stanley visited the adult health center. As soon as we walked in the door, a few people, including the owner, called out, “make sure that ‘John’ knows you’re here.” “John” is the participant with severe depression who smiled for the first time in a year when the dogs were visiting. He came over with a little grin on his face and stayed with me and Stanley as we made our way around the large room.

In the afternoon, I took Gus to the CHS Plaza outside the Fielding School Of Public Health at UCLA. He was there as a stress buster for the students during finals. There were supposed to be two dogs but one had to cancel so Gus was a solo act. He was in his glory.

ELBEE He was like Diana Ross without the Supremes.

He couldn’t get enough of the the petting and belly rubs as one group after another came out to see him. The students forgot the stress of exams as we all sat around Gus, chatting and sharing dog stories. They loved it when I had him do a few tricks.

ELBEE She’s such a stage mother.

Things were going so well that I decided to bring out a few of the props that I just happened to have in my bag.

ELBEE Just happened to have in her bag?

I started using the props on Zoom calls during the pandemic to keep the kids in the neuropsych units engaged. They’ve added a little something extra to our in person visits.

Wednesday was no exception. The tiaras and sunglasses were a huge hit. There was nothing but laughter as lots of selfies were taken.

One girl was having so much fun, she almost forgot to leave in time for her exam.

GUS Oops!

On a side note. Thank you to the very considerate UCLA students who helped me find my way from the parking garage to the plaza. My sense of direction ranks right up there with my singing ability and my knowledge of football!