Actually the title to today’s post is misleading — there is no such thing as a typical therapy cat day. But I did visit one of my regular hospitals yesterday, and I can tell you how that went. And I guess it is kind of typical, although every visit is different.
Before we get started, I make sure my human remembered to bring everything we need. There are certain things that are in the supply cabinet in the volunteer room — Polaroid film for the camera, hand-sanitizing wipes. But other things, like cat treats, need to be brought in.
After the hospital lobby, the first place we go is the volunteer room. My human needs to sign us in, and pick up supplies if we are getting low. She also signs us out at the end of our visit. We were the only team today, so I was allowed to wander the room as I wanted. If there is a dog team working with us, then my human keeps hold of my leash.
Our first visit was also our longest. The patient was an older man, and he was delighted to see me, but once my human put me on the bed with him, and I began giving him my purr therapy, he began crying! He kept on saying how much he missed his cat. I could tell he was sad, so I tried even harder to make him feel better by snuggling more and giving him lots of happy paws. He cried for quite a while, though. That’s why our visit was so long. My human and I knew he really needed my kitty energy, so we stayed with him.
(Here is something interesting — only twice so far have patients cried when I’ve visited with them… and they’ve both been men.)
We had several other really nice visits with patients too, and even the ones who didn’t want a visit from me that day, smiled when they saw me. I think I’ve mentioned before that it’s just as important to visit with staff and family members as it is with patients. I did a lot of visiting with nurses today. That’s pretty usual for me. But at the end, I visited for a while with a guy whose shirt said Housekeeping on it. He had a long story about his own cat. When his wife was sick, the cat took very good care of her. She knew when the wife was in pain and was always right there, giving her purr therapy. Eventually, the wife passed away, and the cat, who lived to be 20, is gone now too. But it just proves to me that all cats can be therapy cats, if the need arises.
See what I mean about every visit being different?
What an amazing day, you and your human must be gratified that you are making a big difference to so many lives.
Bravo Summer! Bravo Human!
That is amazing, Summer. Keep up the good work!
Oh Summer, we’re so glad that this man could allow himself to cry! Now, it’s easy with us cats , but it’s not always that easy for humans to cry in front of other people – and your human was of course in that room, too.
Our human actually started blogging before she adopted us. She is (maybe was? She’s feeling so much better nowadays!) suffering from severe mental health problems. She wanted to blog about how cats affect your mental health. She didn’t get very far with that though because we took over her blog as soon as we moved in. That being said, she always says that we are the best mental health workers she’s ever met (and oh my, she met a lot!).
Kajsa is normally in charge of her insomnia. Kajsa doesn’t like when Mom’s awake at night and reads, so she makes sure that Mom’s laying in the dark; afraid to move (because Kajsa purrs on her chest, and she doesn’t want her to leave). Mom actually falls often asleep then!
Oh, and our purrs on her chest are according to our human as effective as strong prescription drugs when it comes to anxiety. We just knead her anxiety with our vibrant purring away!
This just shows how important pet therapy is to a lot of people.
We are glad you got to spend a lot of time with that man who misses his cat
We believe in the healing power of pets.
Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ
What a wonderful, special thing you do. When my human was in pain recently I looked at her and gave a little howl which seemed to cheer her up knowing I understood her. Then I spent the day on her bed purring and snuggling.That seemed to make her very happy.
Oh Summer you make so many people happy…..even those who are sad because they miss their OWN cats, are happy in their hearts to see you and enjoy the beauty and “sweetness” of a kitty again. You’re such a wonderful therapy cat and bring so much to those you visit.
Hugs, Teddy
Summer, you and your mom make me and MY mom happy. We love seeing you ready to visit and we are always glad to learn of your experiences. We both adore the both of you and thank you for learning this important service and giving this service to those who need and appreciate it.
Mom said if she were in a hospital or care place without me, and no contact allowed, she would probably tear up too at such a sweet and considerate visit from you.
You are a good good girl.
What a beautiful visit. Sharing love and providing a paw to lean on is so fulfilling. We truly admire all the happiness and love you and your mom share with the human kind. We are so touched by your visit. Have a super week! Purrs
We’re always impressed with your therapy stories, Summer. You really bring joy to those there…and not just the patients!
I am in total awe of you (and your human)!
Summer, I’m sure you brought comfort to that sad man. I have no doubt he missed his kitty but also he may have been feeling extra emotional being sick and in the hospital. It’s so nice that you were there for him. I enjoyed reading the story about the man in Housekeeping. It’s very sad about his wife but heartwarming too that his cat, who lived to be 20, was such a comfort for her.
You were just what that man needed sweet Summer, you made him feel so special.
And how nice to have a Polaroid camera available in case anyone would like a picture of you with them. Thank you for spending so much time with the man who was crying. It must really make you feel good to give him the comfort from a kitty that he misses.
i feel sad for that man. glad you were able to console him a little.
Pretty Summer, I’M a male, and I was choked up, when I left the Cat Show in Portland, and had to say goodbye to you!
I still remember, your human was so gracious to allow me to pet you on the way out. I gently scratched you above the tail, and you did your “back arch.”
I remember my own words: “Well, goodbye Summer. You’re a very pretty cat. You’ll always be a pretty cat, and a special cat.”
Anybody is lucky to be graced by your presence!
That is sad about the man crying but we know he so enjoyed your visit, Summer. It is a great thing that you are doing.
Purr Therapy is critical.
OK Now MK is all weepy. I think you’ll need to go back there regularly. Sounds like he really needs a nice kitty like you.
Purrz
Selina
I love reading about your therapy cat visits, Summer. It’s so special that you can comfort people like that. 🙂
The Farm cats always know when I need a few extra purrs Summer. They are very good when I don’t feel well. You are doing such great things
Summer thank you for this lovely and touching report on your visit yesterday.
You are such a great Feline ambassador. Mom love your red and white candy stripe bow tie
Hugs madi your bfff
Daddies don’t always show it, but they do have so much love for the kitties. That’s probably why your criers are catdaddies. You have done a wonderful job cheering him up Summer.
Oh Summer that was super nice of you to spend extra time with the older gentleman. Humans sometimes need our help with letting their tears out and it sounds like you were a big help! Way to spend some time with the nurses too! Our mom was in the hospital recently and was reminded of how much nurses do for their patients. They can use a little TLC every now and then too!
Purrs,
Mia, Mosby, Angel Cosmo, Angel CJ (and their human)
Amazing! Thank you for being all snuggly with that man who obviously needed your therapy help so badly!
Best therapy ever
Summer, you and your Mom make an amazing team.
Sounds like you made a lot of people happy.
That sad man was probably very happy for the time he got to spend with you.
You and your human hear such sad stories, and you’re making such a huge difference in so many lives!
Sounds like you spread lots of joy like you always do. I love that little candy striper tie you wear, so appropriate.
What a pawtastic visit! You have that nice man just what he needed – love. We bet it made his day.
Loved reading this, Summer!
Sounds like a wonderful day
Summer, you have such healing energy, and it’s great to know how many humans are getting the benefit of it. High paw to you and your human!
^^ Pretty Cats!!
Once again you did good by the humans. *I* can even be a therapy cat. I stayed with Pop the entire tire he was recovering from back surgery even tho I wouldn’t let him touch me. I also jump on the bed whenever I hear TW crying but I don’t like when she laughs.
we can just imagine how every visit might have a certain bit of routine but then everything else will be different. that is so sweet and sad about the man that missed his own cat. it was pretty pawsome that you knew he needed your extra purr therapy, Summer.
pip, smidgen, minnie, hollie, sharpie, ditto, TL
Mee-you summer mee iss inn AAHHHH of you!! Yur therapee werk iss amazin!
Yue a true innspirayshun to mee an to many…..
Today Ladymum gotted reel uppyset an was close to a ‘seizey momint’. Mee got her to come inn an led her to thee bed…..shee laid down an mee laid across her shoulder an chest an purred fur 15 minuttss an shee relaxed a had a ‘happy nappy’. Yur rite that any kitty with thee dee-sire can bee a therapee kat….
***nose kissesss*** Siddhartha Henry xXXx
How wonderful that you were able to help those two men today, Summer. You and your human are true blessings!
Love the bow tie sparkle. Wish I had one. You do have some sad times but what joy you give.
Summer, those are very heartwarming stories you had for us today. Thank you so much for sharing them. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo and Cooper Murphy
When people scoff at therapy cats, which I have known them do, they really are being incredibly selfish and unthinking as to the benefit we all get from the honest and love of a companion. Great work both of you, what you do is fantastic and so worth while.
Purrrs
ERin (Therapy cat of a different sort)
I am so glad you were able to make a difference in the lives of those you visited.; and gave purr and paw therapy to:)
Thanks from me to you for all you do!
I hear that human tears are wonderful for a kitty’s fur, Summer! Makes you even more beautiful!