Therapy Thursdays

Most work days for Harvey consist of quickly greeting, then leaving each patient room in approximately five minutes or less.  One particular visit this Thursday lasted just over one hour! Harvey did not want to leave!  He was very interested in this patient, sniffing her, cuddling her, smiling at her and even jumped onto the chair next to her (as pictured above). 

To be honest, i'm not always sure that Harvey's "work" benefits people.  But today, I thought otherwise.  The moment he entered her room the patient's face began illuminating.  She kept saying "i've never actually seen a dog in the hospital, this is the stuff you only read about in the newspapers, " and "as far as I'm concerned Harvey can do whatever he wants" (such as lick her and climb on the chair), and the best comment was "He should be a model!"

Throughout the hour we visited this patient it was heartwarming to witness the quick bond Harvey made with her and how Harvey allowed the patient to bond with me.  At one point, the patient's new nurse came in the room to introduce himself and check a few things. The patient said "boy, isn't my nurse handsome?"  Harvey watched his every move almost as if he was thinking "you better not hurt her."  As Harvey smiled and gave her long periods of eye contact, she proceeded to tell me her life story, including bits about her family and each dog she had ever owned. 

I truly believe that Harvey could sense that this woman needed some company today.  Good work, therapy man!

Training Collar

I gave in and finally bought a remote control training collar. It's main use will be for Norm's uncontrollable barking during hikes, when people come to the door and in the backyard.  I'm hoping it will also be useful for his licking, which I'm trying to train out of him before my dad visits in a month. Oh Norm! How can such a sweet, cuddly, furry friend have such an annoying bark?