Jac, just to let you know I completed the questionnaire, Lauren contacted me and will let me know how she gets on with her final Uni results. What a worthwhile subject to do her dissertation on x Thanks
Such a lovely post. I'm so glad it all went well. It really is a worthwhile thing to do, enhancing lives of so many people. Hattie sounds an absolute star, especially not eating biscuits. Well done . There is nothing wrong with being emotional, it just shows what a good kind person you are. X
Yes Rachael we did as we have been asked to go every Friday as Hattie is their official PAT dog . Glad to say I got to see the same people as last week and a few new ones too and all so pleased to see Hattie. We were especially happy to see the lady that lost her own dog, we tracked her down in the games room, she flung her arms open and had the biggest smile on her face and yelled "Hattie I'm so happy to see you", she told me she would never forget Hattie, totally wonderful We are both enjoying it so much, especially Hattie as the staff now have a jar of doggie biscuits just for her visits xx
Oh Helen that's wonderful. You certainly brought a ray of sunshine into that lady's life if only for a short time, so bless you and Hattie xx
I'm hoping this lady will be there next week as she's on the ward not the Hospice ward, thankfully. This lovely lady is a complete joy to talk to you know what I mean full of stories, Hattie is really drawn to her and lays down by her feet or sits right next to her It's Hattie they want I'm just on the other end of the lead! Thanks everyone Hattie & I appreciate your kind words and support xx
Not true at all Helen. The residents may love to see Hattie and fuss her and talk to her but it's you that talks and listens to them and make them feel special for a little while xx
Thank you, I really hope so Rosemary I find older people so interesting and mostly kind apart from the two grumpy men that shouted at me "excuse me, this is no b….y place for dogs" the Nurse had err.. a quiet word with them. I am going to soften them up each week, I gave one of them a little smile so next week I am going to say "are you sure Hattie can't tempt you" can't imagine they can resist her for too long xx Can't win 'em all! xx
Hattie will soon have them wrapped around her little paw They'll be queuing up to feed her treats before you know it
Maybe if Hattie took some biscuits in with her, it might soften them up.... Lovely to hear another instalment. Please do keep us updated, it's a lovely thing you're doing.
Suppose it could be that they are scared of dogs as well as being grumpy I shouldn't worry about them too much and just see how they are over the next few weeks, every one else is thrilled to see you and Hattie. If anyone can win them over it will be Hattie, in the mean time just don't worry about them
I don't think so as they said they like dogs it's just not the place for them I will try to ignore them but it's pretty difficult when I can feel their eyes burning a hole in my back x
I know what you mean about trying to ignore their stares but I expect if you're talking to other residents you will soon forget all about them. Grumpy old men. honestly they have to have something to complain about
I'm just catching up. Don't know how I missed your latest visit I've been waiting for an update. It sounds like they were all very happy to see you and hattie. The lady sounds lovely. I bet you made her day when you went and found her. As for the grumpy old men I'm sure you and hattie can win them round. Get them chatting, ask what sort of dogs they've had. Once you get them talking I bet you can't get away and I'd put money on Hattie getting a gentle pat on the head.
As promised some photo's of Hattie and I in our PAT uniforms!! Now I shall go and hide under the duvet as I take the worst photo EVER xx Hattie and I ready to go to work at the Hospice xx
Great photos - and what excellent work you are both doing! If any of my pups are withdrawn I will definitely look into this kind of work for them .
