Volunteer's Voice: Her Eyes Flew Open
February 25, 2011 | By: Jane Johnson, Volunteer
Tatti, a Shih Tzu, and I were making our usual Pet Therapy rounds at Hospice House. We happened to walk into a room the same time a nurse did, and she commented that this patient had not opened her eyes or spoken all day.
From an earlier visit I knew this patient loved dogs, so I sat Tatti on her bed and placed her hand on him. Her eyes flew open and she smiled and started talking. It was a very rewarding moment.
My husband was a hospice patient for 15 months, and that is how I witnessed the value of Pet Therapy visits. Cathy Ferguson, pet therapy volunteer, came to visit my husband often and we both looked forward to their visits. After my husband died, I decided to give back what we had received. I enrolled Tatti in Therapy Dogs Incorporated, and he was soon certified. We were ready to “work”!
Tatti walks into Hospice House with the attitude of, “Here I am” and starts greeting people. We meet so many lovely people who want us to visit their loved ones. Besides brightening patients' days, they have an opportunity to reminisce about their dogs.
Why do I love Pet Therapy? I receive more than I give.