I got to be an entertainer at the big hospital today! I went up to Pediatrics and the first couple of children didn’t want to see me. But then my human and I were walking past the playroom, and saw several kids, family and staff in there — and they all wanted to see me! The kids and family were sitting at a craft table, so my human sat me at a spot on the table and I did tricks for them! And of course I gave out quite a few high fives. I was totally in my element, even if I did get some paint on my tail. That was so much fun.
The other therapy cat, Josie was there, and she visited some other kids’ rooms while I was in the playroom. When she was done, I visited one room with a teen girl and her mother. Then we all headed off to Behavioral Medicine.
Three patients in Behavioral Medicine wanted to visit with me and Josie. One patient asked my human a lot of questions about me and what type of cat I was and my therapy work. I also showed off my tricks there too.
In case you are wondering, Josie and I are completely different in what we offer as therapy cats. I love being petted and doing tricks. I am very friendly and will walk right up to you on my leash. My human says I’m a little bit of a diva — not in a bad way, but in an attention seeking way. I love making people happy.
Although she is on a leash (we therapy animals all have to wear harness and leashes), Josie goes from room to room in a stroller. She doesn’t walk on her leash and she doesn’t do tricks. Her owner picks her up and hands her over to the patient or places her on the bed. Josie is very talkative, but if you are holding her, after a moment or two she will go limp and be a lap cat.
I’m more independent. I only like being held for short periods of time — then I get a little squirmy, although I am better with children. And I’m not really a lap cat. One thing both Josie and I do well is curl up on the bed and snuggle with a patient. I think we both know that this is a very important part of what we do.
Every therapy pet, no matter the species, has their own way of offering healing energy to patients. And I think that’s what makes each of us unique and special.
Other posts you’ll enjoy:
- The Therapy Cat Visit That Was Just Right
- My Busy, Noisy, Messy, Good Therapy Cat Day
- Citizen App Therapy Cat
You an Josie may have diffyrent wayss of doin thingss butt THE thing youss’ have inn common iss bringing sum joy an fun an entertainmint to payshuntss!!!
***purrss*** BellaDharma an {{hugss}} BellaSita Mum
We ordered 3 of Summer’s calendars and are disappointed. The January photo has Summer with a pumpkin. February has a Thanksgiving theme. March has a Christmas tree. Rather messed up. Would like to return them.
Ugh, that is really disappointing! Contact Zazzle and let them know you are unhappy and want a refund.
Summer you and all therapy pets are a blessing to all
Having fun is a bonus for you, doing your work, which you love to do.
We had a new therapy dog come through our building yesterday…a brother to Annie, Trace and her are big white fluff balls. they are Samoyeds.
It’s nice that you and Josie can work together so well. Your different styles help bring comfort to the patients, who have different style (and needs) themselves.
You’re little angels on earth!
It’s nice that you and Josie can both brighten the day for these children.
You are both and so much more. You are truly unique. XO
You brighten the day for those kids and they look forward to seeing you.
wish I could meet you and Josie as well.
It’s a big treat for those patients and families that you visit.
Probably, next time they go to the hospital, they are hoping
they will see you again. Some might ask, when making their
next appointment , what day the cats will be there.
You really bring a lot of joy to those who need it, Summer.
I think it is pawsome that you (and Josie) do therapy for the kids.
I bet it does a lot to make them feel better about being in the hospital
I bet it is the highlight of their day!
Purrs, Julie