Cora's Magic

A picture is worth a thousand words.   I "believe" that animal assisted activities benefit both the patient and caregivers.  Cora's presence in the Chemo and Radiation areas at Mayo provide a welcome companship with a "Caring Canine". HAPPY NEW YEAR!

"Twas the night before our visit and all through the house not a creature was stirring.......... "But visions of smiles did dance  in our heads!"

Today was a big day for celebration for one of our friends who completed her treatments.  On the wall of the treatment area hangs a bell, that sounds out loudly after the long weeks of radiation treatment or chemo are completed.  It was a Blessing today when Cora and I met with the family of a Grandmother reaching that goal.  Her daughter, granddaughters and grandson were all there to share in that joy.  Cora was so excited to see children in the waiting area, she was "smiling" from ear to ear!  Hospitals and clinics can sometimes be a frightening place for children, but today it was one of giggles and laughter as they sat on the floor playing and petting a "Caring Canine".  What a way to start the holidays! Outside the area is the Healing Garden, the sidewalk is engraved with different words and phrases.  Today the word "Hope" rings loud and clear!  Merry Christmas!

Bath -^ Walked- ^ Breakfast-^ Brushed-^ Christmas Bling-^ Cora's cart packed-^ So Happy to be heading out to visit with our Mayo friends!

If you look closely you will see a "heart shaped" mark on the back of Cora's neck area.  I think that when she was created, God stamped that heart on her knowing well that she would be helping to heal so many people.  Yesterday she did some "private duty" with her Poppy who had some outpatient surgery.  Here above you can see how just a few moments into the recovery room, Cora was providing a special "healing" moment.

Decked out in her Merry Christmas tee and Jingle Bells collar, Cora and I arrived a little later than usual today at the Mayo.  Our patient areas were beginning to fill with people for treatment in either radiation or chemo.  Something was different though.  Within minutes of our arrival,  staff personal began to emerge one by one to voice their gratefulness for Cora's presence.  The look of a stressful morning on their faces just melted away as Cora sat patiently accepting hug after hug.  As we walked the hallway back to the patient area, Cora musically pranced by each doorway with her jingle bells announcing her presence to those still working at their desks.  Smiling faces looked up from their computers as they shared a welcome break with us.  This Caring Canine was not particular to whom she was bringing a little happiness - she just knew that they needed some TLC.  This is a high-stress area to work in and I'm sure that it takes a gre...

Cora arrived today at the Mayo wearing her new red collar and full of holiday spirit as she tapped  the "jingle bells" in perfect rhythm with her paws.  For the first time, I actually heard true laughter from several people in the waiting area.  One woman laughed so hard and long that it actually brought tears to her eyes.  Her first visit was today at the Clinic and she said "it felt good to have a good laugh". We brought with us today what will be now referred to as "Cora's Cart".  Inside the wheeled bag are all of her favorite things to share with her friends.  We brought out the puzzle next and hid her treats in the wells.  Cora quickly solved the puzzle and was rewarded with her favorite treats.   The people seated in the area clapped and giggled watching her "take a bow" for her efforts.   Ever seen a dog bowl?  Well, ask Cora to do that and you'll find a room full eager watchers.  I set up 5 pins and placed the ball a sho...

Wow, what a day.  Cora and I arrived shortly after noon to both sides of our assigned areas full of people waiting for their treatments.  Old, young, black, white, brown, cancer doesn't spare any of them or their families the uncertainties that lay ahead.  But one thing is for certain, they all need and want someone to love, talk with or simply touch.  Cora, a therapy dog provides that for them, if only for a short time.  I watched as they gently stroked Cora's fur, telling her what a sweet girl she was and how glad they were to spend some time together.  It amazed me when a woman from Mexico began speaking Spanish to Cora, who responded instantly to her request to "sit".  The woman lowered her head then onto Cora and continued to tell her a story still using her native language.  She kissed her and then left for her treatment, but she left with a huge smile on her face, waving goodbye to us.  We met people from the Black Hills of South Dak...

Night before our visit to the Mayo Clinic.  Cora's ready list: Bath Brushed Treats Early bedtime I think with the holiday season approaching it's time to pull out the "jingle bells" for Cora to entertain everyone tomorrow.

Question is always the same.  How did you get your dog to become a Therapy Dog.  Answer is never short. I begin telling them that Cora was a rescue, 1 yr of age and a victim of neglect and abuse.  Started out with some home loving, good food and socialization skills.  Then off to the local PetSmart where I met with the trainer.  Julie Eskoff introduced me to the world of dogs like I'd never known.  Several classes under our belts and we applied  to be tested for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test.  After passing that Cora and I were elvaluated for "divine canines" a therapy dog group out of Austin, TX that we hold near to our hearts.  We passed our evaluation after 6 weeks of training at the Austin State Hospital. For the next 2 years Cora and I visited Life Skill classrooms and worked with the most wonderful special needs children.  We were also welcomed at a local Alzhiemers unit weekly. There the residents became young men and women, t...

Cora has the weekend off from Therapy Dog work, but still keeps up on her skills by reading articles on Animal Assisted Therapy.  

Our third visit to the oncology radiation and chemo areas today.  We've met so many people from all over the United States.  They may come from different areas, but all have the same look of fear, pain and confusion on their faces.  Cora has a unique way of bringing everyone together as one.  When we first entered the room everyone was sitting with their eyes down and very quiet.  One by one newspapers dropped on laps, books closed and smiles surfaced.  Conversation was shared around the small group about their own dogs at home.  Cora showed off her "achoo" trick grabbing tissues from the box for anyone that faked a sneeze.  There were stories about a favorite pup in Michigan waiting for her best friend to return, a Colorado canine that loved the snow and memories of a Pittsburgh gentle giant that loved to babysit.   Laying across the feet of her new friend, it was clear that the belly rub Cora was receiving was just if not more therapeutic...

Our first day volunteering with Mayo Clinic's Caring Canines program. It's a humbling place where hopefully we can bring some smiles to both patients and staff. Cora made herself right at home in the Radiation and Chemo area where we are assigned. Even the most leery eyed gentlemen broke into a grin when she demonstrated her "hookie pookie"and then gave a big salute. We then wandered into a waiting room filled with new members of the "glow club". These are the people waiting to receive a tour of the area that they will receive their radiation treatments. I sat down next to a woman who's face was marked with fear. Cora laid down at her feet and I could hear her sigh of relief as she reached down and started petting Cora. She told me that Cora's presence made the waiting a little more bearable. I asked God as we drove down the long drive to the Mayo to "walk with me" and give me the strength that I needed to be a volunteer and handler for C...