Cora's Magic

Cora wears her paw protection when visiting her friends at Mayo Clinic!  Arizona is blazing hot this time of the year.  

Today when Cora and I arrived at Mayo, I was struck with the similarities between staff and patients.  In the radiation waiting area we met with a woman sitting patiently trying to put a puzzle together. With one hand on Cora, she studied the small puzzle pieces to see if they fit the pattern.  After a bit, we walked down the hall, where we met with our friends in Radiation Dosimetry.  Wikipedia describes it as follows: "Radiation dosimetry is the measurement and calculation of the absorbed dose in matter and tissue resulting from the exposure to indirect and direct ionizing radiation ."  Simply said, they put together a sort of puzzle at their computers for the patients radiation treatments.  Both the patient and staff focus intently on small pattern pieces, retracing their moves until the pieces fit. When the puzzle is complete there is a feeling of hope and accomplishment!   Cora sits patiently outside of Mayo Clinic Hospital today.

On June 14, Americans celebrate the adoption of the first national flag. Also known as the "Stars and Stripes" or "Old Glory," the first American flag was approved by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. Today we honor our flag and what it stands for in this time of uncertainty.  Cora and I encountered many patients today who have fought for this country in past wars.  Now, they are fighting for their lives again, against a disease that should have been conquered years ago.  How humbled I am to see them reach out and touch a mere dog that for a few moments eases their battle.

Monsoon season starts this week here in Arizona.  Hopefully no major events because Cora is anxious to see her friends at Mayo tomorrow.

Cora and I had a busy 2 days at Mayo this week.  It's always brings a smile to my face when I see the positive reception that is given to us by the patients and their families.  Today brought not only that big smile, but also, filled my heart with pride.  A gentleman that was waiting for his radiation treatment had several questions about therapy dogs and how they functioned in the medical setting.  After several minutes of telling him about the training involved and how we volunteer our time with the dogs, he looked down at Cora who was stretched out across his feet and said, "You are heroes, to be sharing in our moment of weakness"!   Wow, I never would have imagined anyone calling us a hero.  Looking up the true definition, it states, "a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act".   Strange thing is that I look at these patients and draw strength from them.  They stare cancer in the face, they fight and

Summer time in Arizona is fiery hot!  Cora's trip to Mayo requires some extra precautions.  Because the blacktop parking lot surface can reach over 200 degrees, Cora is now wearing paw protection.  Keeping hydrated is essential for both of us and frequent rest periods during our visits make for a more energetic pup.  Everyone be cautious of the summertime heat!

The hot desert sun is scorching these last few days.  Cora and I have been taking a ride from our car to Mayo's front door.  Here Cora rides "shotgun" with one of her favorite chauffeurs!  The weather doesn't stop the need for chemo and radiation treatments for the cancer patients, so off we go to hopefully bring some "cool" times with our friends.