After visiting seniors with dementia last week, what does a therapy cat do for an encore? Go to the children’s hospital, of course! This was a really good visit because I got to see a bunch of sweet kids.
The first girl I saw in the lobby area was really special. Not because of her bright eyes or twisted, wheelchair bound body… but because she was wearing cat ears! She and her mother chatted happily in Spanish while the girl petted me with long, graceful fingers. There were only a couple more people to visit with before we went to the exam rooms.
The first exam room had a mom with a baby. Sometimes we don’t visit babies because they aren’t aware enough yet to understand anything about me. But this baby was just old enough to get a kitty introduction. The mom smiled as the baby touched me — she wasn’t even old enough to think to grab my fur. We also visited with an exceptionally nice family — a mom, dad, and a little boy. The dad told the boy to be gentle with me, but he really didn’t need to. The boy was naturally gentle and sweet with me. The dad, like my human, was wearing black pants, so my human lent him her lint roller at the end of the visit. (She always carries a lint roller with her on our visits.)
Before heading up to surgery, we stopped at an activity table in the lobby and chatted with some nurses who were really interested in me. In surgery, there was a boy who was sedated and asleep — but I visited with his young sister. I also stopped and saw some girls in the rehab area.
As my human and I were getting ready to leave, one of the nurses asked me to come back upstairs. A little girl who was just coming out of anesthesia when we were up there earlier, was now awake and wanted to see me. We were happy to go back up, and the girl was delighted by me! “Now I want a kitty,” she said. Which just shows that every visit matters.
Love these therapy posts! I think its the best thing a kitty could be taught to do, and I wish there were more of them. You are a wonderful example:)
Aw, these stories are so sweet. Glad you went back up to see that little girl. I’m sure you made her day.
I sure hope that little girl gets a kitty soon!
As always, you’re the best girl, Summer! I wish they’d have had a therapy cat when I was in the hospital.. but then I might not have let them leave, lol!
Yore so wunderful Summer! Inn fact an innspirayshun to all of us…..mee iss too ferally to bee a guud vissitur like you butt you DO innspire mee to bee a guud Purry-medic to LadyMew on her ruff dayss!
***purrsss*** BellaDharma
Summer, the little girl was wearing cat ears…how cool!
(As an aside, I just purchased a pair of cat ears for myself…have wanted some for YEARS and finally did it!)
Summer, you have no idea how much your visits mean to those children. What you did was so sweet. Your job touches the lives of so many! Hugs❤️
Yes every visit matters. And your mom is really practical bringing that brush!
Purrz!
Selina
Just think, you planted a seed in these youngsters as it were, a pawsitive experience with kitties which they will carry with them the rest of their lives.
Those families were so lucky to have you visit during such stressful, scary times!
Summer, you are so precious and such a gift to the folks that you visit. I love it that children are so gentle with you and I love the story of the little girl who, after your visit, wants a kitty. I’m so glad that you and your human are able to make these visits and bring so much joy to people who need it. God bless you, Sweet Summer!!!
Sweet kids? That’s an oxymoron if I ever heard one. Glad you had a good visit.
You make everyone’s world brighter- young and old. XO
What a touching and lovely visit Summer. You girls make such a giant happy impact on people of all ages. You two are my hero’s. And what are the odds of running into someone with cat ears on…pawsome! Keep spreading the love! Purrs
I know that the kids loved being visited by such a pretty cat!!
Good job Summer your a gift.
That sounds like a successful sweet visit ! You’re doing a pawsome job with your human, Summer ! Purrs
Such wonderful visits and that last one really was special sweet Summer.
Good for you Summer for making lots of people smile. Good job.
You are the best cat ambassador ever, Sparkle! How fortunate those kids are, within their misfortune, to get to see uyou!
Purrs,
Tama and Genji
Good work. It’s always a memorable experience for
those you visit in therapy .
These kids will remember you, and it will help teach them love and respect for cats. Total win for everyone.
Your heart must be full after these visits.
What wonderful important work you both do. Every visit does matter, and your sharing them with us just reinforces how important cats are in the world, and what a difference they can make. Thanks Summer and Mom.
Your therapy visits are the BEST, Summer. Thank you and your human for bringing so much joy to those sweet kids. 🙂
How sweet
Another pawsome visit.
The Florida Furkids
I adore reading what you have to tell us about your therapy visits Summer. XXX
What a fun visit for you, Summer.
Love your therapy visits❤️❤️❤️ You bring sunshine to folks not having the best of times! Thank you!!
Another good visit that most likely made the day for those children that you visited.
Your beauty and fashion sense is amazing but I think your therapy work is the most noble thing you do. You help people feel better. Don’t stop sharing