Pet Therapy and Bus Rides!

I just returned from a LONG visit with Mom.  J  Before I get to that though, I should tell you about my visit last Thursday.

After a conversation with the Life Enrichment Coordinator some time ago, I knew that my daughter’s dog, a wonderful black Lab, could visit Mom.  It just so happened that my grandsons had left on a trip and Bonnie was feeling lonely so my daughter and I took Bonnie with us to visit Mom.

When we arrived, the Life Enrichment Coordinator met us at the door – and proceeded to take us around to all the dog lover residents in the main area of the facility.  They were thrilled to see Bonnie because their pet therapy dog had not been around for quite some time.  When we finally got through the main area, we made our way back to the smaller area of the facility where Mom spends her days.

When Bonnie walked in, everyone stopped what they were doing and my daughter took her around to each of the residents – and Mom, of course. 

Bonnie was well petted and even took a liking to one of the gentlemen and lay on his feet.  J  I think they’ll be very happy to see her come back again any time!

Today I went to visit by myself.  I had planned to visit today but received a call this morning asking if they could take an x-ray of Mom’s chest to make sure she didn’t have pneumonia so I was happy I was heading up there.  When I arrived, I expected to find her sounding terrible but she smiled and sounded just fine.  I could tell she was a little more tired than she normally is when I visit but her appearance didn’t indicate discomfort.  I heard her cough a couple times while I was there and figured that must have been what caused their concern.

We took a little walk around as I usually do with her and then we sat down and did the puzzle while some music was playing and one of the residents was dancing with an aide.  Mom enjoyed the puzzle and gave me that smile that I was used to seeing when we finished one.  After another little walk, we sat down and watched a show about animals on TV and she really seemed to enjoy just sitting there with me, dozing off here and there while we sat.  She showed me a nail that was a problem and I proceeded to do a little impromptu manicure.  Again, she was very pleased.

While we were sitting there, the Life Enrichment Assistant asked if I would like to take a bus ride with them.  She was taking ten of the residents for a little ride and thought I might like to join Mom.  I said sure and just a little later we all piled into the bus and took a nice long ride on some pretty back roads.  Mom dozed through some of the ride but definitely enjoyed getting out.

The length of my visit went from two hours to almost four but Mom enjoyed it and I enjoyed being with Mom.  A good day!