I got to return to USC for another midterm therapy cat visit. They set us up in a slightly different area from last time, but still in the same courtyard. The acoustics were a bit noisier than the other spot, so it took me a little longer to settle in, but I did! And I saw lots of students.
The swarm of students ebbed and flowed around me. I did lots of high fives and got petted a bunch! Many of the students have cats or dogs back home that they miss. A lot of them had questions about me. Along with the usual, “What breed is she?” “How old is she?” and “Is she your cat?” a couple of guys had a bunch of questions about my work.
One of the two students wanted to know if working with a therapy cat was a profession. So my human explained that mostly, it’s a volunteer role, but there are a few psychologists that include a therapy animal in their practice. Like a lot of people, he was also confused about the difference between an emotional support animal and a therapy cat. My human explained it the easiest way: emotional support animals are therapy for their owners, while therapy animals are therapy for other people. In fact, she explained, since I rely on her so heavily, I don’t really like it when she’s sick or upset. It makes me worry, since she is my rock and my backbone.
It was a fun afternoon. Since we were separate from the two dog teams working, we weren’t that aware when they left, and wound up staying longer than we were scheduled! No matter — it was worth every minute being there.
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WoW! We are glad you like your “work”. I would not be very good…I don’t even like to sit on Mom’s lap for mare than 15 minutes, I can’t imagine letting strangers pat me1! You ROCK!
College students missing their cats back home. Petting you would really help them!
It’s so cool that you get to go to a college campus. Our mom says hers is practically empty and desolate. A cat would be the purrfect thing there now to cheer people up!
Summer. You are a joy and comfort to so many. I’m so impressed by your talents. I’d be blown away if I met you in purrson mol
Summer, you and your human provide a viable and good service!
We love that you do this work!
Most people love to see you, and it is plain to see how much you enjoy your visits.
You look so disgusted at that toy dog licking you. Ugh! We enjoyed reading about your visit.
You are so kind to those students and I’m sure they will remember your visit for a long, long time.
Sounds like a wonderful day!
Sounds like a wonderful visit.
That sounds like a fun time! You’re amazing Summer, all those people and you love it!
Awww Summer! Who wouldn’t appreciate meeting you!? I wish I could one day! I think the way your human explained the difference between a therapy cat and an emotional support cat was just PURRFECT!!!
It seems you are wanted everywhere! Indeed, students living
away from home and missing their own animal friends would
be very pleased to see and touch a therapy cat. You obviously
bring happiness to many. Thank you.
Dearest Summer,
No doubt you make many think about pets quite different!
They also will be surprised about how smart pets can be…
Hugs,
Mariette
That school sounds like fun.
Sounds like another great visit, Summer. I like how you educate people about therapy animals.
How cool you got to explain what it is a therapy cat does.
It is so important for people to understand that.
Purrs, Julie