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 Cora with this program. He did more than that, he sent two special angels to be by my side, my Mother and Grandmother.
Cora and I spent our last day volunteering at Mayo in June. We will miss our friends, but our journey will continue bringing smiles and comfort in Florida. I've been searching for our "niche" here and we will soon be back working as a therapy dog team. During the move I completed my Evaluator status with Pet Partners and am now studying for my Instructor license. Hope to have all that done in about 6 weeks. That way I can teach people how they can join this special force of animal healers! More to come soon!
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