This weekend’s therapy cat visit was to the boys’ homes. They are at these two locations either because they are on probation or wards of the court. I don’t come very often because my human wants to make sure that different boys see me each time. She figures the novelty of seeing a therapy cat is probably good for one time for most of them.
The first house, in fact, only had one boy who cared to see me. Sometimes the boys are having issues or are in bad moods and they don’t want visitors, not even a kitty. There was one other boy living there who enjoyed seeing therapy pets, but he was on a family visit that weekend. So my human and I mostly hung out with the people in charge of the home. I did show off my tricks while I was there. The woman there said that her cats wouldn’t do any of the things I did!
The next house had some boys hanging out and they enjoyed me for about 15 minutes. I did my tricks for them, and one of them even videotaped me giving high fives and ringing my bell. I also did high fives with a couple of them. The guy in charge of the house wanted my human to take photos of me with each of the boys, so she did. After that, they just sort of wandered off to video games or the basketball game on the TV. I didn’t mind, though, I just hung out in my Sleepypod and relaxed and purred. One of the boys asked questions about the therapy pet program. It turned out that this was the first time he’d had a therapy pet visit. I purred for him, and let him rub my tummy. (Okay, I’ll let just about anybody rub my tummy, but don’t tell him that!)
This wasn’t my most successful therapy cat visit to these two homes, but sometimes it just works out that way. And with my tricks and purr therapy, I think I left these boys with something to remember.
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They will remember you! You roll with these visits so well.
We are sure that you visiting those boys will brighten up their day!
Even if you make a difference in one boy, the visit is worth it 🙂
Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ
We suspect visits to boys’ homes are the most challenging of all.
I know you made a difference, Summer. Having worked in the field of mental health, it is so hard for boys in these situations to be vulnerable and to trust. The fact that even a couple of boys showed interest in you and the program is really wonderful. <3
Oh, I’m sure they enjoyed your visit sweet Summer, they just don’t know how to express it!
Summer I know those boyz were amazed and in love with you and your charming purrsonality
Hugs madi your bfff
A lot of those young boys are not allowed to have or exposed to pets. Which is sad to say the least. Your visit will leave everlasting positive memories. We would be kinda nervous doing these visits. You girls are super! Great job! Purrs
You were probably more appreciated than you know…
This sounds like a tough visit, Summer. But we bet you made a difference to them no matter what.
You and your mom have mine and my mom’s admiration, Summer. I know I have said that in many ways before but it bears saying again. Many would not want to go there due to various behavior issues that might have been present, but you two did. Mom said she went to one of those once only a few years back with someone else. She would not have chosen to go back unless she had to, as was mom was not knowledgable about how to present herself. You girls are tops in our book here.
You did your job Summer and there’s always someone who’s life is changed or touched because you were there.
We are sure your visit left a good feeling with those boys, no matter how small.
We love that you visited those boys, even if some of them didn’t want to have anything to do with you. That wasn’t the point. You are a very special kitty and your Mom is awesome.
I sure hope that all of the boys there like pussy cats. I bet it was a nice surprise when you showed up and showed them all your tricks and cuteness! I bet they were smitten! Hugs!
We are glad you visited with the boys. They may not have shown their gratitude but we bet you made a good impression on them. You are such a good girl to visit all those people and we know it makes such a difference in their lives.
Summer, every little bit helps!
You probably made more of an impression than you think. It is likely that they didn’t want to appear interested in front of each other.
These sound like the most difficult visits, for sure. I’d be a bit nervous myself. You do a world of good no matter where you go though!
Summer , you and your human are pawsome! Boys have difficulty showing vulnerability at the best of times and given these particular boys’ past (and present) we are impressed that any of them showed an interest in you at all. You did make an impression even if it may have appeared that you didn’t. You gave some of these boys food for thought just by taking the time to show up and even though you may never know which ones you affected, you did affect a few of them and possibly even more! 🙂
the critters in the cottage xo
I am sure you had more of an effect on them than you realize. A lot of kids in those situations hide their emotions.
I bet you made them happy even if it was just a little while.
The Human has known a LOT of sad and troubled teens in her life, mostly girls, but she knows enough to know that you never really KNOW how much some kindness and purring might be appreciated. Lots of kids have a hard shell, but something as normal as having a kitty around that’s fun and all purry might be the only good thing that happened in their day. You and your Human are Good Girls, Summer.
We’re sure you make them happy, even if they don’t show it. You’re doing a great job with those visits, Summer. Purrs
You never know, Summer. Sometimes the most low-key visits are the ones that make the deepest impact.
Purrs,
The Chans
Boys! Can anyone save them? If so, you’re the cat to do it.
Summer, whether you see one or dozens of people, we know what you are doing is worthwhile. We’re sure you know that as well. XOCK, angel Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer
You know what…Mom had boys and teenage boys are like that! It was not you…Its how boys are.
I bet the next time they will be better and the time after that better and better and better
Purrs
MArv