You both must be such a comfort to the two ladies whose lives are not in good place, yes it is upsetting but to give them a moment of love from a dog must be so supportive. xx
You are both doing a fantastic job Helen. I think you underestimate how important you are. I bet the patients enjoy chatting with you while they make a fuss of Hattie. Having someone to talk to who isn't affected or connected in some way to their illness probably helps a lot. The perfect pair.
It can be very hard when working or volunteering in palliative care settings, it's always sad when people we come to know deteriorate. The happiness you bring to these people is wonderful, it gives them a little time to spend with Hattie and you and put their illness to the back of their minds for a while. What you and Hattie do for these lovely people is beyond words, you're both a ray of sunlight to brighten their day
You and Hattie are doing a very good job, bringing comfort and distraction to terminally ill people. I can imagine how emotionally draining it must be for you, but so worthwhile.
Hugs xx You are doing amazing work. I'm sure the drug thing happens a lot ~ my MIL used to hide her medication when in the hospice ...
You really are both doing an amazing thing. It is really hard when people deteriorate, but I always try to remember the joy that you can bring. Well done to you both xx
I absolutely love reading your posts, you are both amazing. You also wouldn't be such a good kind person if you didn't feel emotional at times. Keep up the good work.
Ah Helen...you are doing a tough but rewarding thing. I strongly agree that your non medical normality will be valued by the people you see. You are doing something very special. Hattie and you are stars. x [Edited to make Hatfield back into Hattie - poor girl, don't tell her I accidentally auto corrected her x]
I can imagine there will be some very tough and emotional visits for you Helen,but what a comfort you must bring,I think you and Hattie are doing a wonderful thing x
Thanks guys you are all so sweet x This week I was carefully observing what Hattie has to encounter and manouvre round during our rounds and it's very full on. She has to cope with electronic doors, medication trollies, mobile drip stands, hoists, patients in wheelchairs, on walking frames, walking sticks, newspaper trolly, large lunch trolly, cleaning trolly and that's without the different noises, smells, food on patients tables which proves tricky on ocassions also numerous patients, medical and office staff, yesterday she got to meet a lovely Ambulance crew with a gurney who were delighted to see Hattie . She just takes everything in her stride which is down to her not me as of course I haven't been able to train or proof for any of this. Dogs are absolutely amazing they really are xx
I work in a Hospice and we have a therapy dog that comes in. The patients love him. The patients own dogs are also allowed to visit too, last month we had a horse visit. Sadly I miss them as i work night shift.
Just getting caught up on this thread and I'm so glad I did as I was rewarded with a lovely picture of BOTH of you!! How wonderful! This is such wonderful work you are doing, Helen! It is bound to be tough at times on you, so please try to focus on all the good that you are doing and the difference you are making for people when they really need it. Hattie is working her doggie magic and making some difficult and lonely days a little brighter for some people, and you are too!
Think you did proof against it without knowing it through lots of different experiences during Hattie's 'sensitive' period . That really is an amazing range of sights, sounds, smells and people to cope with in such a short time. Clever girl Hattie , and you too of course Helen xx
My M&Ds nursing home has a miniature Shetland pony that visits every couple of months too. Size of a large dog by the looks of it. Seems popular
This was horse was huge and stunning. It was a lovely day so they took the ladies bed out into the garden so she could see it.
That's just it I didn't as I confess to not knowing about the 'sensitive' period, of course I do now and I didn't get her until she was 13 weeks, so the 16 week socialisation theory goes right out of the window with Hattie. I think it's just her temperament. I am very lucky to have her xx On Friday I was told that a man on the Hospice ward had his two Labradors stay in his room all day and night until he passed away. Made me cry but in a comforting way if that makes sense that he had his beloved dogs with him until he closed his eyes for the last time x
I've just been reading some interesting thoughts on the socialisation theory based upon some studies. Think I need to read the chapter again to get it all on board, but the main point of it is that he refers to it as the 'sensitive' period and it lasts for longer than the 7 to around the 16 weeks normally quoted. I think that it is so thoughtful and kind. What a loving, peaceful way to go, and how much better for the dogs as well to spend those precious last hours with the owner.
Mum's nursing home had their own dog - a middle sized mixed breed called Louisa, she never got under anyone's feet or zimmer frames ...