Yes, I was back at the hospital already! I’ve been having so much fun going out that my human thought she would schedule more visits this week. She worries a lot about burning me out… but then I have such a good time, it’s clear I want more.
Monday is not a usual day for us, and the parking lot was full, so we parked on the street. It was a nice day, and we did not have to walk very far at all. We passed this sign on the way to the hospital entrance, and it made my human feel a little bit more fit.
We were the only team for this visit, and my human decided to focus more on the wings with the adults, since the children saw us on Thursday. She wanted to make sure that people saw me who hadn’t already… but the funny thing is that one of the first guys we saw remembered me from a month ago!
We stopped by the Cancer Center, since I didn’t get a chance to visit on Thursday. I got to do something I don’t think I’ve done before — visit with someone who was getting chemo! My human feels bad for people who have to go through that. She has had friends who’ve gotten chemo (and in fact, we have a friend right now going through it), and she has seen the toll it takes on them. So we were really glad to brighten this young woman’s day. She loved me!
One of the bed-ridden patients we saw in the Skilled Nursing wing has a girlfriend who is also going through cancer treatments up in Portland, OR. He was down here dealing with something with his leg, but he normally lives up there, with his girlfriend and his Sphynx. He had lots of fun visiting with me, and talking about his cat, who sounds like a really awesome guy! His mother showed up partway through our visit, and she enjoyed meeting me too.
My final visit of the day was up at the behavioral medicine ward. That’s a requirement for Monday visits, and we have to be there at a certain time. They set my human and me up in a workroom, and bring the patients out to see me. At first the employee who’s in charge said there were going to be three people, but then two more wanted to see me too. They all had so much fun with me, and everybody wanted photos with me. Several of them had cats at home.
Nobody I saw today was in a great amount of pain, but they needed to see me as much as the people who need healing purrs to help them forget how badly their bodies hurt. Sometimes hearts need healing at least as much as bodies do. In fact, I think healing hearts also helps heal bodies. So I was really happy to be of service today.
In case you are wondering about how we therapy pets cope with our visits, the organization tells the humans to expect us to be tired afterwards. This isn’t true of me a lot of the time. Like with this visit, a few minutes after we got home, I found my Neko Fly toy and dragged it over to my human so we could play! This particular visit really energized me!
2021 Somali Cat Wall Calendar, Starring Summer
See all of Summer’s merch at her her Zazzle Designercat Shop
Summer, you have a good heart! I believe when you energize people they energize you!
Purrs
Marv
Summer,
Yoo are so beautiful that everyone wants to see yoo!
Toffee
What a busy week; you made many people happy
Our lady works in a Cancer Center and the patients are some of the most gracious and inspiring people she has ever met!
Thank you both for all you do to bring joy and love to people of every need in life!
Our last works in a Cancer Center and the patients are some of the most gracious and inspiring people she has ever met!
Thank you both for all you do to bring joy and love to people of every need in life!
You are a really bright kitty, Summer. Healing hearts is very important. We think it is great that you and your human do this. XOCK, angel Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer
I think you were destined for that line of work, Summer. You are a natural! My good furr-iend Moet the Blind kitty has a momma that is going through cancer treatments right now, too. I sure wish there was no such thing as cancer. Hugs and healing purrs to all the patients.
Being a therapy cat is a HUGE job but you really do love it don’t you Summer! I know that you bring a lot of happiness to those you visit and that is a very big deal believe me……it takes people’s minds off of themselves and their difficulties for a while – and it’s a REAL gift.
Love, Teddy
Summer, you have found your true calling! You were born to be a therapy cat!
The healing power of cats is indisputable!
I’m glad you’re so good at this. You help a lot of people feel a bit better.
Awww you do such great work. We are so proud of you and your mom Summer. You make the world better. Purrs
You are a rock star but I’ve said that before. I wouldn’t think you’d be allowed in while someone was having chemo but they prolly need the distraction more than anyone.
We agree, it is often torn hearts that tear the mind and body asunder ; once the heart heals, the body is also often on its’ way to wellness.
You were seemingly born to help people Summer. Good job all aorund! 🙂
the critters in the cottage xo
I am glad you made so many more people feel happy, Summer.
You are so right about hearts need healing too. Sometimes it seems that they never will, and I know that just being able to pet you will help so much.
We know you work wonders, Summer!
You’re such a special kitty, Summer! 🙂
You’re a very insightful kitty, Summer. We agree… healing hearts can definitely heal the rest of the body. Paws up for a great visit@
We’re glad you have so much fun doing your job, Summer ! You do a pawsome work for people ! Purrs
Sweet Summer I love to read about your outings. You spread joy wherever you go even tome via the internet. Would be lovely to see you in real though
Summer, I know I have said this so many times but I want to say it again. I am very proud of your Human for getting the required training and then… training YOU. Your intelligence gave you the ability to conquer this awesome undertaking. I could not be more proud of the two of you. HUGS. Thank you for what you are doing and I know you Summer, here being carefully guarded and watched for any stresses.
Summer what an wonderful Feline ambassador you are and we appreciate it
Hugs madi and mom
Sounds like you spread a lot of joy. I feel very bad for those going through chemo too, it is so harsh on a body.
You’re a little angel here on earth, Summer!
Adorable AND strong…that’s our Summer!
You never cease to amaze…
we have said it before, but we are so proud of you and your human for reaching out to help people who need some cat therapy
It’s such a wonderful thing you do!
The Florida Furkids
You are just so awesome, Summer, in the joy you bring those who are dealing with their health issues.
Summer, you were truly born for this work. Not everyone finds their niche in life.
We don’t think you could ever burn out, Summer. 🙂
I bet you are the very best thing in these patients’ day, Summer. Especially for the ones who are missing their own kitties at home XOXOXO
Great job Summer putting a smile on those people’s faces.
Summer you’re such an angel for visiting these sick people I bet you make their day when you visit. I wish we were allowed therapy cats especially like you when I was going through my chemo I know it would have helped me. Hugs to a beautiful gorgeous caring girl and of course your mom too.
What a wonderful visit, Summer. I agree hearts need healing and they also help heal bodies. You make those patients’ hearts heal – it’s a good cycle!
We are so proud of the difference you are making in so many lives sweet Summer!
It sounds as if you are doing work you love and that is beneficial to so many humans. Mommy knows those times she has been stuck in the hospital she would have loved visiting with a cat or dog, because we always make her feel so much better when she is here sick. And she says it is amazing how we can always tell when she doesn’t feel good, because when she doesn’t feel good we are VERY VERY GOOD and we spend all our time sitting near or on her. And it doesn’t have to be physical it can be emotional cats are very healing (well dogs are too but…) and sometimes you just need a cat to pet when you are scared or tired to make you feel better.
You are doing good work Summer!
We are happy that you bring so much joy to the people in hospital.We are sure your visits do wonders for them.
Good to see that this visit got you in a playful mood too 🙂
Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ
You’re such a darling girl, I bet everyone who sees you instantly feels better!
Such a good kitty.
You were born for this job, Summer. And healing hearts is important too.