I had such a nice therapy cat visit. The other team was my St. Bernard galpal, Clementine. She’s super easy going, so we visited patients both separately and together.
We started off with the adults in the east rehab wing. The patients I visited all spoke mostly Spanish. We did need help talking with one older woman, who was hard of hearing, but I think my human’s Spanish is getting better. Once the hard of hearing woman understood that I was a visiting therapy pet, she was really happy to have me hang out with her.
Next up was pediatrics on the second floor. Clementine and I visited the playroom first and that was lots of fun. There was a boy at one end of the room, and a little girl at the other, so we were able to visit different kids and switch up after a while. The little girl really liked me and wanted to take me home. Her mother told her that wasn’t possible, but I don’t think she totally understood. She petted me a lot and although her mother kept reminding her to be gentle, she really wasn’t all that rough. The boy was really nice too. There was another boy, who had something going on with his legs, so he couldn’t walk very well, but he was able to stand and pose for a photo with me on one side and Clementine on the other.
My favorite pediatrics patient was a little girl who was heavily sedated but wanted to see me anyway. She loved cats but her father is allergic and she couldn’t have any, so visiting me was a treat for her. I laid down next to her and gave her healing purrs and made happy paws while she petted me.
We finished up at the Rainbow Room, where they see outpatient children. We got there a little late so there were only a couple of kids there. One of them was an older boy who was having a wild tantrum. My human felt bad for his mom, who was pretty helpless. It wasn’t a situation like a regular kid, where you could just be a little short with him and remove him. He had some sort of developmental disability, so that complicated things a lot. During a few moments when he had calmed down a bit, went lurching in my direction, but much to my human’s relief he decided he’d rather hug Clementine. She’s huge and was much better able to handle a boy of his size. There was also a little girl whose face lit up when she saw me.
In case you are wondering what I did while the boy was having his tantrum… I didn’t do anything. I just sat there. Didn’t even flick an ear. After he got called in for his appointment, my human had me do some tricks to keep me busy. Children really don’t bother me, even when they are doing something loud or being temperamental. I don’t think that’s something a therapy cat learns. You either have it or you don’t.
You are such a patient dear pussycat around children, Summer sweets. Mom doesn’t think I’ve spent much time around lil’ humans, ’cause when the young neighborhood boy asks to pet me when I’m in my stroller I don’t really care for it. I luv having pets though from humans. I think you sure found your calling being a therapy kitty and having the experience of being a show kitty on top of that. Winky winks.
Summer,
You have way more patience that I have. One of my human brothers had some developmental difficulties and Mom remembers the hospital visits and dealing with tantrums.
Purrs
Marv
Summer, you are such an amazing therapy cat! You sure did bring some goodness to those patients and other people. 🙂
You and your human are a great team. You do such wonderful work.
You’re amazing!
You’re much better with kids than our mommy is. She’d need sedation if she had to deal with a tantrum but you’re a professional. We’re glad you were able to make so many at the hospital smile!
I think most of the other comments nailed it sweet Summer, amazing and sweet, you rock girl!
You are amazing, Summer. Situations like that can be super stressful for everyone!
Summer, I would have loved to see the picture of you and Clementine with the little boy. My heart goes out to the mom of the boy who was having problems in the Rainbow Room. That must be so hard. That was so sweet of you to lie down with the little girl who was sedated but loved seeing you.
We commend you, Summer. We run and hide with new people, let alone ones who make noise. You are one in a million!
You are so amazing Summer. I am sure I would have been trying to escape, stuff like that annoys me even when I try to rationalize that the child has a problem.
What a great job!
Oh Summer , we wonder what you were in your previous life. Keep up the good work sweet face.
You are a very special kitty Summer.
You and Clementine must be the Mutt and Jeff of Therapy Pet Teams.
You are the most amazing creature!
Wow that is an amazing quality, Summer. But then again, that is why you’re a therapy cat. It’s not for any kitty. My human has really sensitive ears and can’t stand loud shrieking sounds so I think you probably handled it better than she could if she was there MOL.
You spread so much love to humans of all ages and looks like you’re doing a stellar job! Keep making people smile! xx love from the Chirpies
By the way – our human loved seeing you make happy paws at the CWA conference 🙂
we are so proud of you Summer – and we have no doubts the kids love seeing you
WOW! That sounded kind of scary, and wonderful at the same time that you have that calm gene. Thank you for being there, calmly, for everyone.
One thing that’s very heartwarming about your interactions with children, who really enjoy your presence, is that they are a potential cat lover and cat parent in the future!
Summer, you have all kinds of patience…unless it’s Binga photobombing you…lol!
You’re truly amazing, Summer ! Yes, you “have” it, and your human too ! Purrs
Summer yay you all that screaming during the hissy fit would have sent me off to the far corners of ANYWHERE but there.
Hugs madi your bfff
Those kids are so lucky that you visit them, Summer! You’re doing great work.
It sounds like another successful therapy visit for you Summer. Know we would not respond well to someone having a tantrum. We think you are right…you have it or you don’t. We admire you and your human very much. XOCK, angel Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer
What a rock star you are, Summer!
We know you bring a big ray of sunshine to each and every one of those kids, Summer!
Purrs,
The Chans
every cat i’ve known has not been very fond of children, especially unruly ones. you indeed have a special personality.
Summer, you are truly amazing. Truly a therapy cat. Your ability to stay calm amongst a lot of unease on patients is like a shining star over your sweet head. You and your Human too deserve accolades and I am giving them to you. Without your Human, you could not have achieved this level. Both of you are a team I wish Mom could have had visit when she was in the hospital that week.
We totally agree with you Summer, either you have it or don’t, some traits are not learned. Mom doesn’t like loud noises she says she has sensitive hearing. Who knew…We love to hear about your visits. You girls are amazing. Great job Summer! Purrs
You. Are. Amazing.
Summer, that is so great that you remained calm during all the excitement. You are such a good therapy cat.
What a wonderful, patient loving therapy cat you are. It does take something special to have what you have and do what you do. Bless your heart, my friend!
Sounds like a good visit and one that helped some people.
We bet they felt a lot better after your visit 🙂
You are a natural Summer.
Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ
You are an amazing therapy cat getting better with every visit as they each are different and have new experiences, you adapt so well. The healing power of animals is something we don’t even have words for. Let’s also give a giant shout out to your human. You are a pair, her intuition and ability to read the patients feelings keeps you stress free and is best for the patients. This comment is dedicated to your human. We know she rocks but she’s truly special.
You’re so patient Summer…..