My therapy visit this week was at USC. I generally have mixed feelings about my visits there. I love the attention I get from the students. They really make me feel like a celebrity! But the visits there are outdoors, which I’m not fond of, especially since I don’t go there often enough to get used to them. Plus the locations are frequently different. So it takes me longer to adjust being there than my usual visits to indoor facilities.
This visit was in a courtyard, and they even had a sign for me!
My human knew I might be a little nervous and uncomfortable for the first part of my time there. So even though I was surrounded by happy students, squeeing and taking photos, she did not take her hand off me once for like half an hour. She wanted me to know I was safe, and kept petting me. She didn’t start taking her hand away until I started doing tricks for her and eagerly begging for treats. So in spite of the outdoors and extra noise, and some construction going on in the building not far from the courtyard, I did okay!
And that was a good thing because I had so many fans! Some of them follow me on social media. One young woman remembered me from 5 years ago, and even was able to show me photos from a visit I did back then. Lots of students miss their cats back home, and for some of them, home is really far away. One girl said her family and her cats were in India.
That is one of the cool things about the USC visits. There are so many different personalities and cultures because it’s a major learning center. But one thing they all have in common is that they love cats and they are so happy to see me. I really am glad to offer a bit of stress relief to their busy schedules.
Unfortunately, this will be my last time there in 2022. The couple of upcoming slots in December are already taken. So I’ll have to wait until next year to return.
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Good for you Summer. You overcame your fears. You have the most incredible human. She loves and cares for you so much. Making you feel safe is so important. I have to take Rosie to the vet Monday and I hate it. My girls don’t go out unless I’m boarding them at the vets or getting tended to. She’s okay. Just for shots. I try to make them as comfortable as possible even though I’m stressed. I cannot let them see that. I talk soothingly and play nice music in the car. I make sure the car is comfortably warm or cool as the case may be. Thank the vet is cats only so no dogs barking. It’s still traumatic for them. I do my best to be sure they feel safe.
Mee-yow there iss nothin you can not due Summer! You are so amazin….seereuslee!! Wee have nevurr known a Kitty who cuud go so many placess an stay calm an not freek out…..
You made ALOT of peepell happy with yore vissit……
Summer yore THE best therapee pawss down!
**nose bopss** BellaDharma an <3 BellaSita Mum
Great to know that people in India also love their cats!! You provide a great opportunity for students who are missing their cats back home. They need a chance to pet a pretty cat!
Sounds like you made a lot of students happy. XO
It sure is wonderful for them to see their Superstar Summer!
I love how in tune your human is to what you’re feeling!
I know some of those students will be disappointed they don’t see
you again this year. I can imagine how it is seeing you and missing
their cat at home.
Interesting visit, Summer! Sounds like everyone enjoyed seeing you, and you liked them, too! And you got treats, yay!
You always know how to adjust to every situation, Summer. Another good therapy visit for you and everyone.
I am glad you settled in to the outdoor visit even though there was a lot going on. It sounds like the students were all very happy to see you.