Cora's Magic

Cora wishes everyone a Merry Christmas!

Cora wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a wonderful Holiday Season.  We stopped in at Mayo today to tell everyone that we'll be back on schedule next week.  Her paw is al most healed completely.  Cora was so excited to see all her friends that we've missed this past month.  It will be a true blessing sharing Cora with those that are away from h o me and loved ones.   One thing is clear, therapy dogs actually spread the holiday joy all year by heeling to heal. 

Cora has been doing one on one Therapy dog work with her beloved Poppy who recently under went open heart surgery.  Having a therapy dog 24/7 has aided tremendously in his recovery process.  Cora has helped ease his pains , brightens the days and nights and motivates P oppy to exercise by walking with him outside .  All the while she has done this with her own " bo o boo".  Cora had a deep laceration that required surgery on her left paw.  She and Poppy are healing beautifully together! 

M ay o Caring Canine program has hit it's 1st yr Anniversary this month.  T his gro up phot o of the handlers and dogs show the excellent   temperament that is required of the dogs.  We are hoping to expand our areas within the hospital complex where the dogs will visit with patients and their families.  

Cora says "GRRRR, Happy Halloween Maties! I love being a pirate!

The devastation has been widespread from Hurricane Sandy.  Please pray for these people and a quick and safe recovery.  Wish Cora and I could be there to help comfort their heavy hearts.

Cora spent the afternoon at Mayo yesterday supporting Breast Cancer awareness month. 

Cora is standing outside the main entrance to Mayo Clinic Hospital.  The Cosanti bell that hangs behind her is representative of Mayo's three shields.  The Mayo Clinic logo of three interlocking shields symbolizes Mayo’s commitment to excellence and interdependence in the three areas of Research, Education and Clinical Practice.  I got to thinking about what would be the symbol of a Therapy Dog?  I came up with the three most important aspects.  First a "heart" symbol to show the unconditional love that is given.  Second would have to be "wings", for surely these dogs are four legged Angels on Earth and thirdly a "billowing cloud" to represent their "spirit" that is shared with all.  Symbols help us to remember special causes, events and places.  It's hard to forget a visit from a Caring Canine, their true symbol is always with them, a wagging tail, wet nose and eagerness to comfort and please!    

  Cora and I took advantage of the nice weather today in Phoenix  to visit with some friends outside of Mayo Hospital.  All that fresh air and good company was the perfect time for a "catnap". 

Cora went to the Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale location today to visit with the patients and staff in Radiation Oncology.  As you can see she was quite happy to find one of her favorite staff members.  People ask me all the time if Cora likes doing her visits.  I think the smile on her face sums it up! 

Drawing the strength and courage to combat an illness requires an Army of soldiers.  The first and most important line of defense is a "supportive family!"

Cora is reminding everyone that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Please say a prayer that a cure is found this year! 

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!

Cora is registered with Pet Partners as a Therapy Dog and sometimes that means working outside the norm.  This past week we took a fun trip to the Zoo and talked with 25 8th grade students that are interested in veterinary medicine.  Dr Molander from Banfield Vet Clinic was there to educate the young people on what  it takes to be a Vet and used Cora a a model for examining an animal.  Cora was a rock star throughout the exam and even stood still for the eager students to listen with their stethoscopes to her heartbeat!   Add another job description to what a therapy dog does.   In this case, Cora became a teacher to these young people, who where eager to learn about the training and work that a Therapy Dog undertakes.  

Therapy Dogs help to brighten the day!

Cora's work at Mayo not only is directed to patients, but also the hard working and dedicated staff.  Today's visit was a welcome one from a strong willed lady that has seen the benefits of therapy dogs in the healthcare setting from both a patient and staff member prospective.  Cora and her other Caring Canine friends have brought many a smile to her face during her months of treatment.  Seeing her smile and hearing her excitement as we enter the unit most certainly boosts the endorphins for everyone in the area.  Good endorphins make you feel happier and cope with stress and pain by making you feel more relaxed. Even Cora benefits by all the attention.  As you can see in the picture above, after all that belly rubbing, she is completely "relaxed"!

Cora has been kept busy these past 2 weeks with a visit from our Grandsons, Kyle 12yrs and Evan 7 yrs old.   A few days ago she was bitten by one of our nasty desert pests on her hind paw.  Here she gladly accepts being comforted by Kyle.  See, even Therapy Dogs need that special "magic" that comes from reaching out and touching.

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, ...

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.