It was a quiet day at the hospital. In fact, it was one of the quietest days ever here. Both Josie, the program’s other therapy cat, and I were working, but we didn’t have a lot of patients to visit! Only a couple of kids were in pediatrics, but they weren’t up for visitors. The patients in Skilled Nursing and Rehab were either sleeping, in isolation, or one lady told us in Spanish that she wanted to see a dog. She did think I was lovely, though! Then we went down to the cancer center, and there were people in the waiting room — but the chemo patient was running late and not there. We finished up in Behavioral Medicine, where only one patient was available to visit with us.
Maybe this sounds like a disappointing day, but it really wasn’t. Well, other than the fact that I didn’t get to snuggle in bed with anybody (my favorite therapy cat activity). Because everybody we did see was important in one way or another. The lady who wanted to see a dog? Her daughter walked in while we were chatting with her and was delighted to see me. She has two cats at home. The cancer center waiting room had one guy who wanted to talk a lot about his three dogs, and the cat he used to have. That one patient in Behavioral Medicine? He spent the whole visit petting me, and one of the staff members was happy to have Josie sitting calmly on her lap. These people all needed us today, and their lives would have been a little grayer if we hadn’t been there. So it was still a good day.
Oh, and later on that day, my human needed to pick up some food at the pet shop down the street. She figured that since I had already been out, I wouldn’t want to come along… but I did! I followed her around as she gathered her purse and put on her shoes, so she bundled me up and took me. And I got some more of those fun bouncy toys I love.
2021 Somali Cat Wall Calendar, Starring Summer
See all of Summer’s merch at her her Zazzle Designercat Shop
Summer Sweets, do you ever take a toy or two on your hospital visits to play in front of the patients or model any of your outfits as a special treat? Just wondering. Luvs.
I take my job pretty seriously when I’m doing therapy visits, so I don’t play. But around Halloween, the organization I belong to allows us to wear costumes, and I usually do at least once.
Meow meow well dun Summer! You were rite where you were needed!! Yore simpley amazin!
An you look lovelee inn yore last photoe!
**purrsss** BellaDharma
Pee S: Mee apawlogizess for not gettin here sooner…LadyMew has had a setback an not feelin so guud. She purromsied mee to at leest vizzit each of mee frendss today an so mee iss here…
Pleese do not bee angree with her. Shee missess you a lot just like mee!
It’s kinda a good thing when there’s not so many patients. Just chalk it up so a leisurely slow day. Pretty cool that you got to go to the pet store too. And you got a toy! Woohoo! That’s a great day too. Purrs
Whoa! A hospital with no patients? What’s with that? Sounds almost as bad as TW showing up at her dentist appt to find out that they changed it without calling to tell her so she went up the block from him and got new glasses.
What you do is very important in helping cope with life, which can be hard.
Sounds like a good day!
You made those people who DID want a visit with you very happy – AND a reward at the end of the day with your human at the pet food store!!
Hugs, Teddy
You always bring joy and enjoy those toys
No matter what, Summer, you make a difference for everyone lucky enough to cross your path during your visits. Thos bouncy toys sound fun!
We would think even if you only make one patient have a better day, it would make for a good day! Great final photo. XOCK, angel Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer
Interesting story.
It’s not the numbers but the love that counts. You got this.
Purrz!
Selina
That sounds like a perfect day to us, Summer!
It is clear, Summer, that you must always accompany your human when she goes shopping!
Purrs,
Tama and Genji
You make a difference in someone’s life every time you have a therapy cat visit! And I’m so glad you got more of those fun toys! You deserve them.
I would love it if only you could visit me!
That sounds like a nice day : a quiet visit, and a trip to the pet shop ! Purrs
You were there for the ones that needed you, that’s the important thing sweet Summer!
Quality beats quantity every time. Maybe ’cause there weren’t as many people to visit, you got to spend a bit extra time with each one? PURRS
We always love hearing about your hospital visits and feel the patients are so lucky to spend time with you!…Score at the pet store!!…XO…J, Halle, Sukki
Of course you’d want to go! The place is filled with toys and treats 🙂
It may have been quiet, but you are right, you made a difference in people’s lives and that is why you do it – awesome Summer!
That is actually good that the hospital wasn’t busy. I guess it means less sick children. Glad you got to go to the pet store. 🙂
Summer, there are times when I wish a kitty would just show up at my workplace!
Sounds like a great day.
The Florida Furkids
How nice that you got to spend more time with those people when they needed it.
Oh beautiful kitty…..no matter what is going on, you
make it better. Everyone has to have an improved or
better day after seeing you. Getting to pet you would
make it even more so. I’m sure I have stated the obvious
and the feelings of those you visit.
One of my high school friend’s nephews was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. I can’t even imagine the four year old’s experience or the terror of his family. I did some research and found that they have a therapy pet program and they’re about to institute a program where family pets can visit. I know it’s so little to offer the child and his family – but we all know the differences therapy pets make.
So glad you had a nice day.
A quiet visit is still productive. And you got some toys.