For my therapy cat visit this week, I headed to USC to offer up stress relief to undergrads. The interesting thing about the USC visits is that students are involved organizing them, so the locations and visit instructions change pretty often.
This visit was outdoors and it was the first time my human didn’t have to wear a mask. Of course, at the hospitals and nursing homes, she will still be wearing a mask. The set up was very simple, just some chairs. We were separate from the three dogs (it’s better because I can be a distraction for them). And since it was a hot day, we found shade in the big grassy area between two resident buildings.
Usually at events like these my human sets me up in my round Sleepypod carrier because it doubles as a pet bed, where I can hang out while I’m visiting. And that’s what I did. Since it was hot, I didn’t do a lot except relax in the Sleepypod while students petted me. My human didn’t want to overwork me in the heat so she didn’t have me do any of my tricks. I just enjoyed meeting everyone who came by.
Lots of students missed their cats at home. A couple students stopped by who didn’t have cats at home because their parents didn’t like cats, or didn’t like animals in general. So I was extra happy to give them a needed kitty fix. My human answered questions about therapy cats, and my breed. Some students mentioned how calm I was, and my human said that wasn’t typical for my crazy, active breed!
I will be honest. While my human kept an eye on me the whole time to make sure I wasn’t too stressed out from the heat, I think she suffered from the heat more! I was fine when we got home, and didn’t even need to take sips from my fountain right away. Meanwhile, my human collapsed on the couch! She didn’t care. She says the important thing was for me to be okay. And of course I was.
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Sounds like everything went very well, Summer! I sure wish cat therapy visits had been available when I was in college! And I sure feel for those students whose parents don’t like cats!
Good job! Nice venue too – undergrads need some down time and petting a pretty cat and some pups certainly is THAT. It’s hard to imagine what it’s like to be HOT…..we still have some freezes at night and it’s still coat weather here!!
Hugs, Teddy
Glad you had a good and safe visit. We can’t understand why some people don’t like cats. Silly people!
That sounds like new fun. Just relax and let the people come to you. Stay hydrated…both of you
I would’ve been collapsing on the couch too! Your human has her priorities straight though 🙂
Your StarPower was fun for all of them sweet Summer, good job!
Mama wished they offered therapy cats when she was in college. She said she was very stressed during those times.
That sounds like another great visit, Summer! We’re sorry we haven’t been around much this past week. #1 has required a lot of nursing care. We hope to do better now.
Purrs,
Tama and Benny
You do look comfortable. I wish there had been cat and dog visits when I was in college. XO
I’m glad you had your Sleepypod along. It could have been
very tiring without it. Another good deed on your part for
the students.
I would have loved to have been able to visit and pet a pretty cat, while I was off to college! I was definitely missing my cat back at home.
What a fun visit, Summer! The mom says when she was in college, she wishes there had been therapy cats that visited her.
Sounds like a great visit and it must have been fun doing it outside!
Good to hear so many people enjoyed meeting you.
Bet it was a highlight of their day!
Purrs, Julie