Willie TDI

[Vally]

Patrice, that’s so wonderful. You know I don’t think it’s a big thing here. I’ve heard of therapy dogs visiting nursing homes, but that’s it. Maybe I’m just not aware of it.

Again, congratulations to you both.

Love Vally & Bingo

[Brigitte]

I am sure they saw that Willie is clearly meant to do this! And you Patrice saw it in him that this would be his job:) It takes a special dog to do this and a special person to guide him! I know even though it will be sad and hard sometimes for both of you, the reward will wonderful. It will become a highlight in Willie’s life to go for the visits and you will meet wonderful people who will love him to pieces!
Best wishes,
Brigitte

[Ruth]

CONGRATULATIONS Patrice and Willie! That’s fantastic! I’m so pleased for you both :) xxxxxxx

[admin]

Hi Patrice

What wonderful news – Well done Willie! Therapy dogs are amazing – I’ve seen them in action many times, and I know it takes a lot for them to pass all the tests! They are called PAT dogs here (Pets As Therapy). I can’t get the video to load at the moment but will try again tomorrow.

Well done again Willie and Patrice. Excellent stuff!

Mary and Mable x (who’d like to be a Pat Cat, but is really just a Fat Cat).

[Patrice]

I think Willie is starting to feel pretty comfortable about visiting the nursing home. He’s still a young dog, but I think the residents like that he is an active dog. They are so delighted to see him that little mistakes are completely overlooked.

(Had to remove photo. Privacy laws in US!)

my best
patrice

 

[Vally]

Oh that is a beautiful photo. He’s such a good boy.

[admin]

Darn, I was too late to see the picture. It is great that you both enjoy the visits at the nursing home. From my observation, having a calm and laid back dog and a firecracker, for some people the firecracker is so much more entertaining. Much more of a conversation starter. I am pretty sure Willie is in the firecracker category:)

[Patrice]

Brigitte,
Yes, Willie is very outgoing. He immediately gets attention by everyone that sees him. There is no question that they all want to touch him and admire him. A very big active dog is an amazing thing to see in the nursing home. The staff all gather around him like groupies. Visitors cannot resist coming over to meet him. The residents get wide eyed and put both hands out to draw him closer. In every picture I took today I could see they were studying his face intently.

Honestly, if I was living there, I wouldn’t want to visit with a sedate disinterested pet. That’s why I bring him in there, he is fully involved with everyone. And occasionally he gets so happy he puts his head back and howls. Today there was a family walking down the hall with a young teen. Willie was so happy he howled and she looked startled for a second because she was so close to him. But then I said “he is very happy to see you!” And her face broke out into a big grin.

So he still gets distracted by odors and wants to look under chairs and beds for things. When he’s decided he’s done, we are off to the next room. It’s impolite of him, but he is a dog after all. ;-}