working dogs – Page 5 – Me and the Doods.com

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.

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.

A Miracle Revisited

Wednesday, Stanley spent the morning comforting patients in the neuropsych units at UCLA. When we were leaving, I somehow found myself in front of the main 4th floor elevators instead of the core elevators that I usually take.

While we were waiting, a man walked over to see Stanley. As he was petting him, he quietly told me how much he loved the dogs in the hospital. He then began to share a story that explained the depth of his feelings.

Years earlier, his daughter, who was ten at the time, was a patient at UCLA. She had been in a coma for several days when a big white dog was brought in to see her, hoping for some response. As soon as he added that it was a Poodle named Apollo, I realized that he was talking about one of the most treasured PAC stories.

Laura, Apollo’s human partner, brought Apollo to his daughter’s room and placed him on a chair next to the bed. They all spoke softly to her and even placed her hands on Apollo to pet him. After awhile, when there was no response, Laura and Apollo left.

Ten minutes later, the miracle happened. His little girl woke up and asked for Apollo by name. The man looked very surprised when I said, “then you had someone call to have Apollo come back.” I explained that, like Laura, I had been a long time part of the program. In those early years I brought in my first PAC dog Charley, who looked a lot like Stanley.

At the time, the story about his daughter had truly touched my heart. It had shown me the possibilities of what the dogs could accomplish. It had inspired me. Hearing about it now, so many years later, almost brought me to tears

Before we left, the man took out his phone and showed me a photo of his daughter today, a lovely twenty-six year old woman. In this season of miracles, I am so very grateful for this beautiful encounter.

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!

I Can Still Bench Press the Dogs & Other Things I’m Grateful For

In this uncertain world where watching the news can give you stomach pains, I thought it would be a good idea to focus on the positive.

ELBEE That is way too much information.

First, thank you to my husband Doug, my daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren. My life would have so many empty spaces without you. A shout out to Jennifer for doing Thanksgiving. I am grateful that we could be together and that all I had to bring were my fabulous stuffing and sweet potatoes.

ELBEE Seriously?

Thank you to Doug for his steady support during the pandemic and for coming to terms with the fact that Henry is getting larger by the day

I truly appreciate the friends in my life. COVID-19 made it difficult for us to see each other but I always knew you were there. When you shared that my writing was bringing you joy, you brought me joy.

I am also grateful for the memories of family and friends who are gone but whose loving presence guides me. I will always hear the laughter of my brother Stan and my dear friend Eileen.

The mountains are still my spiritual space, my sanctuary. Standing on an overlook with the ocean in the distance gives me peace. Thank you to my mountain friends. We may not know each others’ names but I treasure our camaraderie.

I want to acknowledge the older couple who have made it their mission to clean up trash on the trails. I frequently see them coming down with bags full which is inspiring but sad at the same time.

Thank you to the bike riders who have finally gotten bells and actually say “thank you” when you move over to let them pass instead of trying to run you down.

ELBEE She can’t get past her issues with the bikers and that last statement is a bit sarcastic for a gratitude list.

I am deeply grateful that I have been able resume in-person visits with Gus and Stanley. A year and a half of Zoom calls was better than nothing but seeing them interact with patients, family and staff is heartwarming. I have been so touched by the incredible welcome back that we have received at UCLA and at Tarzana Hospital.

I feel so fortunate to be able to continue on this therapy dog journey that began fifteen years ago with Charley and then Elbee. The Doods have taught me about kindness, healing and unconditional love. They have filled me with gratitude.

ELBEE Finally it’s about us.

And I can still bench press them!

HENRY I didn’t sign up for this.

ELBEE I feel your pain.

Lead with Kindness

The Doods are truly back in action. After the stress and uncertainly of the past year and a half, it’s so gratifying to see them doing what they do best.

On Wednesday, Stanley and I visited our regular neuropsych units at UCLA. The teens, who can be tough to reach, were amazing. One of the boys, who’s very familiar with the props and pictures I’ve been using since Zoom, offered to help. He asked the other kids to name the dogs’ favorite game and even held up this photo.

When we were leaving the floor, two of the therapists, whom I’ve known for years, really wanted me to understand how deeply moved they were to have the dogs back. With tears in their eyes above their masks, they shared that some of the positive behavior that I see so routinely, only happens when the dogs are there.

For the first time in over a year and a half, I took Gus into Tarzana Hospital. Although we did see a patient or two, we were there for the staff. From the security guards to the administration to the medical personnel, we were surrounded by happiness.

As we moved from one nurses’ station to another, with Gus cuddling and performing, I heard the phrase that has become so familiar. “Thank goodness you’re back.”

ELBEE We’ll let her think they were talking about her.

On Saturday, Stanley and his PAC buddy Herman worked a job fair at UCLA, something that would have been impossible only a few months ago. It reminded me of how much joy they can bring to any event.

People came by to chat, to take photos (several selfies), to share their own dog stories. The job market is a serious issue, but the event was festive and Stanley and Herman made it even more fun.

ELBEE I saw Stanley handing out his resumé.

Driving past an elementary school in my neighborhood this morning, I noticed this marquis:

**Character Trait of the month: KINDNESS**

It made me think how the dogs bring out the best in people by leading from a place of kindness. Now, in these still difficult times, we truly need to do the same.

A simple encounter at the market brought that home even more. I was pushing my cart out the door when a man who was entering moved over to give me room to pass. I said “thank you.” He looked at me, smiled and said “thank you!”

Happy Halloween Henry

ELBEE Hey, who doesn’t love a little alliteration.

This week, several of the PAC teams took part in the UCLA Medical Center Halloween festivities. The Doods have done this as far back as Charley and Elbee.

Last year, with COVID, the PAC dogs did a virtual celebration with several teams on Zoom. It was fun sharing the screen and interacting, but there’s nothing like actual contact.

This year was so special because we were back in person. It was time to bring out the pumpkin costumes!

ELBEE I thought those looked familiar.

When I decided that I was going to wear one of their multi-colored wigs, I had an issue. Does one put it on at home and drive all the way to UCLA or does one put it on right before walking in. I asked one of my daughters her opinion and she suggested that one not wear it at all.

ELBEE I’m with her.

I also had a wig for Stanley but since he wasn’t in the mood, “Aunt” Carol, who always helps at Halloween, had the pleasure of wearing it. We both looked fabulous.

From the moment we met in the lobby with our dogs dressed as lions, pumpkins and even a hot dog, there was so much laughter. As we posed for a group photo, people walking by forgot their problems and stopped to capture the moment on their phones.

When we went up to the floors, the response was even better. I had almost forgotten how special it is to see a child’s face light up when a dog walks into their room or to feel the relief of their families. One very sick young man had only a slight response but his dad was almost in tears.

The hospital staff has been incredibly happy about the dogs returning. Our Halloween visit was no exception. I lost count of how many nurses, in quiet asides, told me what a physical and emotional toll the past year has taken. The dogs were the best medicine.

In my usual spirit of honesty, I have something to get off my chest. It’s about my singing.

ELBEE Singing? That noise she makes is not singing and it has nothing to do with this post.

When a friend sent me photos of myself in the mask and wig, I realized that I was unrecognizable, just like the contestants on The Masked Singer, one of my guilty pleasures. I could have burst into song and no one would have known it was me! Maybe there’s still hope.

And Happy First Halloween Henry!

Me and My Shadow

ELBEE It’s ironic that someone who is such a bad singer has a propensity for using song titles.

This post was going to be about Henry following Stanley around like his shadow, the same way that Stanley shadowed Elbee. To be honest, I was surprised that he followed Elbee rather than Riley, our late, very patient Golden Retriever.

ELBEE I resent that. I was a mentor extraordinaire.

Henry runs laps, plays tug-of-war and has spirited wrestling matches with both Gus and Stanley. Still, he seems to take his cues from Stanley. Even his brief puppy time outs are usually lying next to or on top of Stanley.

It’s so helpful with his training. When I’m about to head out the door with the dogs and I tell them to wait, he looks to Stanley for guidance. When someone comes into the house, instead of getting carried away with puppy exuberance, he mimics Stanley’s attitude.

As I said, that’s what I was planning to write about. Then, instead, goaded by Elbee’s voice, I began going off in a different direction. It may also be due to the stress of watching the Dodgers play.

Actually, the title song of this post, aside from relating to the dogs, has very sentimental meaning for me. My dad used to sing it when I was a kid.

We spent summers at my grandparents’ resort in the Catskill Mountain. It was like Dirty Dancing without Patrick Swayze. On weekends, my dad would emcee the hotel shows. He would often sing when he was onstage. Goodnight Irene and Me and My Shadow were two of his favorites. I can still picture him.

For so many of us, special songs entertain and bring back memories. Music has been found to be very therapeutic. At UCLA, before COVID, there was sometimes a woman in the lobby playing a harp. Leaving the neuropsych units with the dogs I would often chat with another woman who was waiting to go in and play keyboards for the patients.

There is so much laughter whenever I have the kids sing while Gus is dancing or Stanley is dancing with me. I wonder if I could take it a step further. If I really practiced, maybe took lessons, could I improve my singing? After all, my father and brother could each carry a tune. Then I could integrate it into my hospital visits with the dogs. It would be a win/win situation.

ELBEE Only if the patients were hard of hearing.

A Therapeutic Morning

**Gus & his “cousins,” Finley & Tommy**
**Dec. 2019**

This week, Gus met up with his “cousins” Tommy and Finley for a special visit at UCLA. Their person Donna and I have often worked the three together with great success. Wednesday was no exception.

Recently the staff in one of the medical office suites experienced a traumatic event and called on the dogs for help. A co-worker had suddenly lost consciousness and collapsed at her desk. Despite great effort on their part, she was admitted to the ICU where she is still a patient.

Her friends and colleagues, having extreme difficulty coping, reached out to the People Animal Connection, hoping that the dogs could provide some much needed support.

Donna and I had no idea what to expect but as usual the dogs knew just what to do. From the moment that Tommy, Finley and Gus walked in they worked their magic. They were sweet and loving with no expectations.

Group after group gathered around them in corridors and at work stations. People were smiling, laughing and hugging the dogs. Everyone had their phones out for photos. Some were sharing pictures of their own dogs. For a brief time, they were able to escape from their grief and anxiety.

Someone knocked on a doctor’s office door to see if he might like a visit. I don’t think I have ever seen anyone’s face light up so quickly at the sight of the dogs. With a huge smile, he immediately lay down on the floor with them. He was the personification of the joy of pet therapy.

Sorry to break the mood but I have to be totally honest. The morning didn’t go without a slight hitch. When we were taking our three little heroes out for a potty break, Gus peed on Tommy.

GUS It was a complete accident. I can’t believe she shared that.

ELBEE Talk about taking a left turn into inappropriate.