I work in a Nursing home as a LPN, and I am also training my one siberian, Kiki, as a therapy dog. I had to go in for a 1 hour meeting yesterday so i figured I would also use the time for Kiki to get some acclimation to the Nursing Home, this was her second visit.
Anyway, we walked the halls visiting many of the patients and staff, she did awesome, no jumping, which is wonderful for a 6month old. But in our travels we came accross a resident who had a down turn the past few days. I took Kiki to his door, and she froze instantly and lowered her head like she was stalking a squirrel. She entered his room tentatively, I took her around to the far side of his bed where he was more facing, she sniffed his hand and got a little restless, so we went to exit the room. The patients wife , wanted to pet her so we went over to her, when I was getting ready to leave, though kiki pulled me back toward the bed, and actually gently climed her front paws on the bed, on the patients arm, and laid her head down on his chest, and sighed.
I eased her to come out and as we were leaving, she turned and sat in the doorway and stared at the patient.
I know weird huh.

Today I went to work. the patient had passed away early this morning.

I know we have all heard these tales, but to witness it firsthand is a whole diferent experience.

WOW, that is intense.
Kudos to you for training your dog to be a therapy dog. My boyfriend is looking to do that to ours.

I love it when I hear stories like that. I'm sad for your patient, but I wonder if Kiki didn't give him some small happiness before he went...

WOW that gave me chills! i think what you are doing is great, dogs just cheer people up, well at least the ones that like dogs.

my dog is soo strange dis.he always chases the hoover lead and i say...now comon thats ur 6th sense sniffing out dust...anyone else have this dust issue?? xxxxlol love

Huskypower wrote:

my dog is soo strange dis.he always chases the hoover lead and i say...now comon thats ur 6th sense sniffing out dust...anyone else have this dust issue?? xxxxlol love

My two are afraid of the vacuum.... so they don't go anywhere near it.

Welcome Huskypower-- go post in the Welcome Mat and introduce yourself.

aw thanks!....lots of husky power love from scotland...ur dogs are gorgeous...it's like a daily thing now for me...anther one bites the dust!

Where in Scotland? I lived in Edinburgh for a year and traveled all over... it's my favorite country in the world. I miss it dearly.

no way like, i'm in Newington, near the meadows.I love walking my huskies ther.It's so nice now that it's getting real warm. Where did you live? You in NY full time now? xx

I had to edit the title of the thread. Sorry, I thought I could let it slide... but I couldn't.


Good story and great thread BTW.