Hattie goes Above and Beyond The lovely man at the Hospice 'K' continues to love and absolutely adore Hattie and we have done a few visits to his home as friends. A couple of weeks ago he told me he and his wife were having dinner at our local village pub and would I like to join them for a pre dinner drink. To make his evening extra special I took Hattie with me to surprise him, well the look on 'K's' face was priceless and Hattie was so happy to see him too I invited him and his wife back to our house for coffee so that 'K' could have more Hattie time and of course Charlie joined in so he double doggie love Hattie was her usual self and lay down by his feet always knowing what to do and when they were leaving 'K' was helped with Hattie walking by his side to his wheelchair where Hattie sat beside him making absolutely sure 'K' was safe never leaving his side, gave him a goodbye cuddle and lick and watched him and his wife as they left our drive and were out of sight. I think 'K' had a lovely evening and I know I won't forget it. Something we all take for granted can mean so much to another person. We are all so lucky to have our dogs. Thank you xxx
What a truly heart warming post to read Helen , our dogs do so much more than they will ever realise , and bless you for doing what you do too xx
It's been a long while since I wrote on Hattie's thread. I visited an ex patient from the Hospital I visit who was sadley transfered to a Nursing Home and missed Hattie Very happy to report she was thrilled to see Hattie and called her Curly as she always has I was asked by the Management if Hattie would be their official PAT dog but I have been giving lots of thought about how to use Hattie in other positive ways to help people in different circumstances. Sadly I haven't had any luck with the Read2Dogs Scheme in Primary Schools as the only available School taking part was quite a drive. I have read about the unusual steps to have PAT dogs visit Category 'B' Prisons. The article I read was so inspiring telling how the prisoners looked forward to the dogs visits and made some of the prisoners question how they could stop reoffending and change their lives for the better just because of having the time to interact, cuddle a PAT dog, apparently they make a really big difference. The dogs are also free to interact with visiting families too. PAT dogs can also really help prisoners that have PTS, just holding and stroking them can keep them calm if they are feeling stressed or anxious. What do you think? Thanks xxx
Sounds brilliant, absolutely brilliant. I'd like to think that in time Cassie could do something useful like that.
I think it sounds wonderfully rewarding, if you think it's something you'd like to do. This post made me remember to say; my Mum's current dog is a PAT dog and she's hoping Conchita will be, too
Annual Volunteers Tea Party Hattie and I were invited to the Hospital for the Annual Volunteers Tea Party yesterday. This is an ocassion for staff to thank all the volunteers for what they do for the Hospice and Hospital, it is a lovely event that Hattie and are lucky to be invited to every year. This year there was a guest speaker, a lovely man that at a young age a few years ago woke up one morning feeling like he had flu. The same day he was rushed into Intensive Care where he lost all his limbs over a matter of days, he mouth was affected too. He was diagnosed with a very rare form of Strep. He now visits Hospitals round the country and also does expeditions to raise money and awareness for disabled people around the world. Hattie and I spent some time with him, Hattie was an absolute darling, not fased by his metal arm stroking her or his wheelchair, she sat next to him looking into his eyes and gave him a kiss, melted my heart and his, a special moment for them both Hattie excelled herself doing the rounds to see just about all the volunteers for cuddles of which there were over 100, she went to all the staff too, many cuddles all round. Embarrassingly we had to have some official NHS photographs done for a leaflet (heaven help the readers looking at my mug!! but it's Hattie that is the star) again she sat beautifully and was the perfect model! She also managed to snaffle the odd dropped cake, so a good day all round. I am thoroughly proud of Hattie, her behaviour as always was perfect she never put a single paw wrong, she knows instinctively what to do with each person she meets. Hattie makes my heart burst with pride when I see her doing what she does best, making people smile and feel happy Thank you my sweet darling Hattie, I love you so much. xxx
Dear Hattie, what a difference she has made to so many lives, given them happiness when they are feeling low, the ultimate gift. xxx
Thank you for this thread @charlie - it sounds like you and Hattie make a huge difference to many people, and it's a valuable insight into the sorts of things a PAT dog (and owner) get up to. My mum's just signed up for PAT with her dog Jambo, and my friend has a flat coat retriever who's also a new PAT dog. Definitely something to think about when Kipper's a bit older, thank you for the inspiration
Thank you for your kind comments everyone, I think Hattie is a complete star, but then I would @HAH That's lovely news that your Mum is doing PAT work, I wish her well as I'm in no doubt she will thoroughly enjoy it. I really recommend it as it's so worthwhile, you get to meet such wonderful people along the way. We love it! xx
