Cora's Magic

Cora visited with two really nice young men today at Mayo.  She demonstrated some of her best tricks, made them laugh and they even put down their cell phones to inquire and talk about dog training!  We'll look forward to visiting with them again!

What gives a dog the "drive" to want to comfort people?   It's a question that I don't think anyone has found the answer.  Yet day after day, Caring Canines at Mayo Clinic Hospital approach patients that are so sick with disease that sometimes their bodies are deformed because of surgeries or burns from radiation treatment.  I've seen "humans" look away, so as not to see their scars, but Cora and her canine peers only see a face that needs to smile or a hand that needs to reach out and touch a comforting furry body.  Is it therapeutic?  Just ask anyone that has visited with a therapy animal, and you'll get a overwhelming "YES"!

Cora enjoying a break outside of Mayo! When Cora really likes someone she plants herself right on their feet so they can't leave.   Here she is with one of her favorite staff members that looks forward to our visits.  It's a welcome break for staff also when Cora is in the house!

The Human-Animal Bond provides comfort. Loneliness provides emptiness.

Sometimes it's better to look at things from a different perspective!        

Sometimes we have to wear different hats and sometimes those hats fit perfectly.  That's how I feel about Cora being involved in Animal Assisted Therapy.  From the moment that we enter the parking lot at Mayo, she captures the hearts of everyone.  It's amazing to watch peoples faces light up with smiles or call out her name to get a tail wagging greeting.  From minute to minute Cora has to accept new faces, new smells and sometimes stressful situations.  She gracefully changes hats" and accepts and deals with the work at hand.  The work being........a Therapy Dog.  God created her with a purpose in mind, that being to share her heart with others.

Listening to your favorite music can make you feel relaxed.   Now research also proves that interaction with animals during times of stress has the ability to lower blood pressure, reduce muscle tension and ease physiological factors associated with anxiety and depression.  Hospitals and clinics have always had that "elevator music" playing in the background.   Today utilizing Therapy Animals in these settings has become part of a care plan for many.  The interaction between human and animal improves social and cognitive function.  Keep the music playing, but encourage and support Animal Assisted Activities and Therapy! 

Cora celebrated her 7th Birthday on September 9, 2012.  Looking back over the past 6 yrs that she has been part of our family makes me realize that she was a gift from God.  There hasn't been a day go by that she doesn't bring a smile to our faces or warm our hearts.  Cora accepts our faults, loves us unconditionally and eases some trying moments.  That's why she is an excellent Therapy Dog.

  Wow, what a day for Cora and I at Mayo Radiation Oncology.  The Caring Canines have  recently been outfitted with their official Mayo vests and this month also marks the 1st year of the program.  The time has passed so quickly.  Reflecting back makes me realize how important a Therapy Dog program is in a healthcare setting.  Cora and I have met hundreds of patients and their families in that time period.  The smiles, laughter and comfort that Cora and her peers has brought to this department are uncountable.  It's an election year and healthcare is a big issue.  Wouldn't it be great if Therapy animals were a routine part of treatment plans.  I'd vote for it and I know everyone that has ever had an encounter with a Therapy team would cast a vote in favor of Animal Assisted Activities and Therapy! 

 Cora and I were on vacation for the past month visiting with family back East.  But what a pleasant surprise for us when we returned to Mayo to find a sign welcoming Cora.  It didn't take but a split second to see that Cora remembered her job as a Caring Canine Therapy dog.  Here Cora demonstrates her "visit" with a woman whom was waiting for her friend that was having her treatment.  Sometimes it's hard not knowing what going on through the doors to the treatment areas.  Cora made the time fly by giving that needed emotional support.  So glad we're back to share Cora's Magic!