I got to do therapy visits at a new children’s hospital today! Well, actually it wasn’t totally a new hospital. I went to the old location about a year ago. But the new location is so different that it might as well be new! Best of all, it is less than 15 minutes from my house (and that is if there is traffic).
When I first got there, there was one of those guys wearing one of those funny hats. But he wasn’t just there to look around — he was there to do magic tricks! Because of today’s event, it was a little less crowded than usual, which was nice for me. That meant I got to check the hospital out without being overwhelmed.
A volunteer showed my human and I all the areas we will be going to on our visits. The lobby area had lots of kids, and most of them were really excited to see me! I let them pet me, and did High Fives and ate treats out of kids’ hands. It was pretty fun! Then we went through some corridors with exam rooms, and I visited a couple of kids. This area was quiet today. Then we got to visit an area totally new to me — a pre-op area on the second floor! I had no idea they let therapy pets in this area, but apparently they do. The nurses were thrilled to see me and made a big deal out of me.
Back downstairs, I visited more kids in the lobby and had a very new experience. I visited with a boy who only had artificial arms with hooks for hands. My human wondered how I would react. Well, you know it was silly of her to be at all concerned because I didn’t care. The boy even put one of his hand-hooks around me, and I was fine.
At this hospital, there are a lot of kids missing limbs and going through rehab, or that in general look different. But to me they are just kids… and I like kids. Kitties (and I assume dogs) aren’t bothered by other beings whose appearances aren’t perfect. And because of my experience at hospitals (and even at cat shows), I’m used to people in wheelchairs. If I see something I haven’t before, it’s just a new experience to have. And my human makes sure all my new experiences are good ones, and reassures me when I am a little nervous.
I think I will have lots of good experiences at this new hospital.
I’ve never been petted or picked up by a human with hooks for hands, but I wouldn’t mind if I were. You’re right, we kitties don’t care about other beings’ appearances. We accept them how they are. You make a such a purr-sitive difference in so-o many lives, Summer. Kisses for you!
I think Athena is right, a book about your therapy visits would be great. I’m reading “A Dog Walks Into a Nursing Home†by Sue Halpern. Its a very good book. I wonder if there’s a book about a cat doing this important work?
xxoo
I’m glad you see the person behind the ‘differenences’, Summer. You for sure know what is important. You sure made lots of kids and peeps happy!
That sounds like a very special place that you visited. You are so good with the children. It must have made that little boy feel good when some humans would have shied away from him. People should be more like kitties and accept people for who they are and not how they look.
Its so nice that you did not have to travel too much! And what a wonderful eperience! I can’t wait to read about your next visit!
Purrs
Marv
Wow, what a different and interesting visit. So glad to hear you got to visit more of it than last time. And how wonderful to be welcomed with such warm and open arms. What a great day! Purrs
Summer, we are so grateful for you and your human! What joy you bring to so many people! 🙂
Summer, you are such a special girl to spread joy to so many in need of kitty therapy.
If only all people could be like you, Summer. The world would be a much better place.
Sounds like you spread a lot of joy to those kids and to the workers too 🙂
You’re such a brave kitty, Summer! I love how willing you are to take on new experiences.
Summer, you and your human do important work. We know you leave an indelible impression/ memory with all those you visit 🙂
the critters in the cottage xo
Oh, Summer, you are such a sweet therapy cat. We bet those children just love when you visit.
Of COURSE the kids at the hospital would be excited to see you, Summer. I’d be excited to see you, too. PURRS
What a great job you do! I’m sure you brighten up everyone’s day when you come to visit.
You do such important work.
Aww Summer you do an awesome job and bring so much joy to people. You represent all of us cats too and even though I would not be brave enough to do it, it is nice to know that you are out there sharing the cat love.
Sounds like a good visit!
Mom and I are both sending you a smooch!
Summer Mom and I are smiling…you are the bestest ambassador for Felines!
Hugs madi your bfff
Sounds like it was a great visit! Different appearances don’t matter for kitties and woofies for sure – humans can learm a lot from animals!
You are a super kitty, Summer.
Summer, you are so chill!
Summer you and your human are Angels! Just think of the joy you are going to bring those little kids, you totally rock! xoxo
You are just amazing, Summer! We cannot think of a better representative of the feline race!
Purrs,
The Chans
The thought of kids, or ANY people (like the many of all ages, races, and both genders at the Portland show where there was a LINE to pet you!) enjoying petting you and feeding you treats, brings a tear to my eye!
And, it doesn’t hurt that you’re…….SUPER cute!!
We really can’t say this often enough – you are amazing, the work you do is incredibly impawtant, and it’s clear that you and your hoomin were matched up together very purposefully.
Sounds like a wonderful visit to the hospital Summer! You know I would think that kids in pre-op would LOVE to have some comfort from a soft and sweet kitty visit. Very cool!
Hugs, Teddy
You rock Summer!! We know all those kids will love seeing you….we bet it is huge for them to get some love and attention without someone thinking they are “different”
Once again you demonstrate what an extraordinary cat you are!
Sounds like a wonderful visit, Summer. Our mom says that over the summer when her school jobs are on break, she is going to get Sophie certified to be a therapy kitty. We have a children’s hospital nearby, and we think Sophie would love going there. It might also be special since Sophie has a disability herself – maybe she could inspire some children who are disabled as well. Thanks for inspiring us to get the ball rolling!
great job…
What a fun visit, Summer. Do you like visiting with kids more or adults more?
They are different visits and different focuses. I can do tricks and get more treats with the kids, but the grown ups I visit are usually bedridden and need snuggles and purr therapy.
That had to be a most wonderful visit for you, the patients and visitors sweet Summer, ya done good!
It’s so lovely of you and your human to do these therapy visits, Summer.
Maybe you should put these experiences in a book?
Purrs xx
Athena and Marie
I think humans could learn a lot from kitties like you, Summer.
Yes, Summer, that is one of the best thing about kitties – they don’t care if you look different or have a disability. Oftentimes, people shy away from me because I am blind. It gets to me sometimes because I thought adults would be more accepting, but many aren’t. Kitties tend to come right over to me (even the really shy ones). They don’t care if I can’t see all their fur colors or the color of their eyes. They just want to give and receive love! 🙂 I’m sure you brightened everyone’s day today.
We are happy that all the kids enjoyed your visit.
Bet it really made their day 🙂
Sounds like you had fun too.
Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ
That sounds like a great place to visit, Summer!