Cora's Magic

Cora got rewarded today for being such a good Therapy Dog!

 What a beautiful day at Mayo Hospital.  Cora and I arrived to find several inpatients sitting outside on the patio grabbing some of the sun's rays.  Even with all the distractions of traffic, people and birds chirping, Cora entertained the crowds.  She instinctively picks out people one by one, offering her side to pet or doing her "bottoms up"for her favorite visitors.  Today we visited with a man who was hooked up to several machines, but he smiled and told stories of his 2 dogs at home.  He trained dogs and recognized Cora's talents as very special.  I'm so thankful to be able to share Cora with so many people.  Her work as a therapy dog brings as much joy to me as it does to so many others.  I'm blessed to be on the other end of the leash!

Cora relaxing at at home.  We've heard many a person over the last few months describe the impact that Cora and the other members of our Caring Canines program at Mayo Hospital have brought to them.  It's always a special treat to watch their faces brighten when we arrive.  Some are slow to warm up to the idea of an animal in a medical setting, but they are quickly won over.  Even the physicians who might have had some question as to the benefits of the program, now grin and smile as they pass in the hallway watching the interaction between patient and dog.  I even overhead one say that the patients come back to them less anxious, enabling them to relax during their treatment procedures.  Relaxation is a prime factor in healing.  Therapy dog interaction allows the patient to release "feel good hormones".  AAT and AAA should become a mainstream medically accepted intervention.

Cora waits patiently as this woman reaches out to touch this Caring Canine.  She thanked us for "making her day"! This time was definitely therapeutic for both Cora and her friend.  Comforting channels both ways...animal to human.....human to animal.  

Relaxation is one of the biggest benefits for anyone engaging with a Therapy Dog.  Here Cora shows how easily it can be done. Visiting with Cora who is a member of the Caring Canines program at Mayo brings one big factor into the picture, "a sense of normalcy". That was evident yesterday when Cora met with a young boy waiting outside radiation for his Mom to finish her treatment.  His face quickly broke out into a smile when Cora and I walked into the waiting area.  Hesitant but with a young boys curiosity he approached us.  Cora's tail was wagging like a metronome, knowing that she would have an opportunity to play with this youngster.  It only took a few seconds for the boy to relax and kneel down with Cora on the floor for some "one on one" boy to dog talk.   Out came the piano and Cora showed off her musical skills to boys giggles.  "High five" was a sure hit as she repeatedly raised her paw to meet his little hand.   When his mother arrived

Cora and her friends represent a growing trend in the health care field working as Therapy dogs.  The program at Mayo Hospital in Phoenix now has 16 dogs active in Animal Assisted Activities with more scheduled to come on board during this year.  It's the one kind of therapy that results in "immediate benefits"!

We had lots of smiles today at Mayo. Cora easily won over our young friend that was visiting from Mexico.  Language was no barrier as the little girl spoke to Cora, who then responded to each of her requests.  The tension of waiting for her Grandparent who was receiving treatment was eased so quickly as Cora planted herself against the girl, who immediately broke out in a big smile.  Young or old, Cora brings a sense of peace and comfort.

Cora had a surprise today from one of her friends that she has been visiting with over the past several weeks.  Yummy peanut butter baked bones! Challenging day today at Mayo.  We encountered quite a few patients that were far from home and missing loved ones.  Cora provided the needed comfort to one woman who made the 4 hour drive alone that day for her chemo treatment.  A Spanish speaking family had brought along a young girl that was afraid of dogs.  The little bit of the language that I know and Cora's bag of tricks, not only kept her entertained, but also almost erased her fear of dogs.  We met new friends that asked about therapy dog training, wondering if their pets at home could be candidates for such a program.  Cora is such a positive influence with the people we visit with at Mayo.  Anxiety levels seem to melt as the person pets her and makes that special connection that improves stress levels.  They say, that petting an animal boosts the immune system function.  I