Cora's Magic

Cora sends out a big "Salute" to all our Veterans!

Cora and I headed out to Mayo today thinking it would be a slow day, everyone would be gone for the Memorial Day holiday.  One thing wrong with that, Cancer doesn't take a holiday.  So when we arrived we found the parking lot full and two waiting rooms with hardly an empty chair.  I took a deep breath but Cora immediately started to make her way to greet her friends one by one.  "Oh, the greeting dog is here", I overheard one woman say to her friend.  The two ladies who had been sitting quietly, now beamed with smiles on their faces.  Cora instinctually sat in front of the woman who was waiting for her radiation treatment.  "Does she know that I'm sick?", the woman asked.  I paused for a second and replied, "She knows that your special and besides, your sitting next to the basket of crackers!"  The ladies laughed and reached into the basket to offer Cora a piece of cracker, which she gladly accepted.  As the woman was petting Cora she said, &qu

Even Therapy Dogs get "boo boos" sometimes.  Cora is sporting this sock because of ant bites on her paw.  Some anti-itch ointment and this fashionable sock and she'll be good as new in time for our visit this week.

Cora wishes everyone a Happy Mother's Day!  

Cora seems to be in deep thought here in the Gardens outside of Mayo Clinic Hospital.  Wonder what she's thinking?  Wouldn't it be great if we could "sense" the feelings of others, the way that Therapy dogs do with the people they encounter.  

Therapy dogs must be even-tempered and good natured around both human and animal contacts.  Socialization and exposure to different environments helps to accomplish this task.  People always ask, "How long did it take to train her as a Therapy Dog?"  Truth be known, the training never stops.  Being on the other end of the leash means first and foremost protecting your dog from situations where it might encounter a possible problem.  Your dog needs to be controllable all the time and cope with potential stressful situations.  Being well mannered around other animals that may be encountered is also essential.  This is only a brief summary of a therapy dog's training.  The journey is a continuous work in progress, one that both the handler and dog must enjoy!  Cora and I  thoroughly enjoy our visits at Mayo Clinic Hospital.