I visited the children’s hospital for my first visit of 2022. Even though we were only there for an hour, my human and I fit in a lot of patients!
I saw several kids in wheelchairs during this visit. I’m fortunate in that I have never been bothered by wheelchairs. Some cats are, and that would have made it difficult for me to be a therapy cat. I saw a few cat show attendees in wheelchairs before I started my visits, and I was okay with them right from the start.
One girl in a wheelchair had a young brother who was alternately nervous and fascinated with me. I saw them again in the exam rooms, and my human and I spent time with him so that he could get used to me and learn how to pet me gently. Sometimes the kid that needs me most isn’t the hospital’s patient.
And sometimes I don’t know if I am helping the patient or not. One mother was wheeling in her kid who seemed oblivious to everything. Even though it was a warm day outside, he was bundled in a jacket and mittens. The mother tried to get his attention, and brought his mittened hand up to touch my fur. I think this may have registered with him. I hope so.
Next we went up to the second floor pre and post op and rehab. I visited the one girl in post op before visiting the busy rehab area. I got to go to the outside area for the first time, where a girl was doing leg exercises and sprints. She remembered me from before. I also visited an exam room where a therapist was manipulating a girl’s hand.
Back out in the lobby area, I did some tricks for a family, which was fun. The last patient I saw was a happy little girl wearing a princess crown. It was nice to be back.
Other posts you’ll enjoy:
2022 Somali Cat Calendar Starring Summer Samba
See all of Summer’s merch at her her Zazzle Designercat Shop
IT’s so good for your patients you visit, but it’s good for you and your human as well. One needs to see how everyone gets through in life.
that sounds like you had a wonderful visit. You are such a great cat!
You are my kitty hero. I love all your talents ( which are many), but this is your shining star. Good job sweetie
I am sure everyone loved seeing you! It is the small things that can make the biggest difference in someone’s day.
You and the human must have been running to fit all that
into just ad hour. I know they were all excited to see you
even if they couldn’t show it. Thank you.
You think any of the patients you visit look to see if you wrote about them? We would. BTW when TW broke her ankle and was in a wheelchair, I was fascinated but not scared.
No doubt about it sweet Summer, you made their day!
I like mirror shots too- I get to see 2 of you. 🙂 Sounds like a great visit. XO
Every visit is a new experience!
What a great visit! It must be good to be back to work.
We know how much you love your therapy duties, Summer, and we are happy you have been able to resume them, especially with the kids! XOCK, angel Lily Olivia, angel Mauricio, Misty May, angel Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy, Sawyer & Kizmet
Mee-yow WOW Summer!! Congatss on yore ferst Therapy vissit! It soundss like you touched alot of wee hu’man kittss an adultss while you were there!
It must feel guud to bee back to werk so to meow!
***nose rubss*** BellaDharma an ((huggiess)) BellaSita Mum
I bet those kids are glad you are back too! Keep up the good work you Superhero you!
Aw thanks for this heartwarming post.
Glad you were able to visit the kids and brighten their day.
It is nice to help the children who are not patients too. That little boy may grow up to be a cat lover instead of afraid of them.