Vote for Therapy Dogs!

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!

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New Horizons

Cora really never stops spreading that "magic" that comes when a person needs that little bit of special healing. We've been busy for the past few months settling in our new home in Florida. While in New Jersey visiting with Pop Pop, we met a wonderful young man that didn't allow his disability to interfere with him getting a hand and even a foot on Cora. The interaction between the two of them was priceless. It reminded me that we have to find our "spot" here in Florida to continue "heeling to heal" asap! We'll let you know soon.

Colors of the World

Cora's Magic has reached so many corners of the world. Here in the United States and Canada where she is followed, we send a big "Hello" to all our English speaking friends. But the interesting factor is her fan base across the globe. "Zdravstvuj" to our Russian friends. A warm "Hola" to friends in Argentina, "Kamusta" to our Philippine friends, "Guten Tag" to friends in Germany, "Hei" to our Norwegian friends, "Dzien dobry" to Polish friends and "Sveiki" to friends in Latvia. It gives me such a good feeling knowing that even in different cultures, everyone has a common interest. The thing that brings everyone together here, is a mere dog. Just think if Therapy Dogs were at the United Nations sharing their unconditional love with World leaders. It would then be a "small world", one that might be brought together with the same common interest, "comforting" people. ...

Puzzle

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.

Cora's Magic

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