Post by patsmith on Aug 28, 2011 17:01:42 GMT -5
I have recently been evaluated at the Falls Clinic in our local hospital. The Doctor that saw me was quite distressed that two falls and several near misses have been with dogs involved. Even though not my fault. She thought I really shouldn't be waking a dog, much less such a large dog as a greyhound. Yes, like I'd give up Michel -- I don't think so!!! I told her Michel was a Therapy Dog and quite well trained and very well behaved. "How do you handle cleaning up after her?" she asked me. I replied I have trained her to circle her poop and stand/wait while I sit on my walker and hold onto her harness while I bend ever and scoop, she then stands still until I get my balance settled, tie the bag and off we go. She was impressed and said that perhaps I'd be okay. Then she suggested that I bring her into the hospital because she would really like to meet her. So made arrangements and I took her in -- they were properly impressed with Michel and said she was fine with me. I was so proud of the way she went through the big revolving doors just like a pro. Of course, so many people wanted to stop and say hello to her, even though they shouldn't when she's working with me. Then last week I saw the Neurologist for a check up and he asked where my dog was -- I said I wasn't sure I could bring her into the hospital he said he didn't see why not she was a Therapy Dog after all and he would like to meet her. I asked him if he wouldn't be with patients -- he said he'd come out and meet her. So I took her back to the hospital a couple of days later and sure enough he came out and spent about 10 minutes with us. Michel finally got tired, did a big stretch and laid down in a perfect Sphinx! He was properly impressed with her too and he's fine with her walking me. I must say I do appreciate the concern of the medical staff with my safety.
What is really funny is that we go right past the Tim Horton's counter and Michel completely ignores it while the staff stop what they're doing and turn to watch her pass. Once a little guy wanted to give her a piece of his cookie so I said okay, put her in a sit and she gently took the bite of cookie he offered her -- the little guy's Dad was so impressed with her manners he asked if I could train their sheltie. Gotta love our greys. LOL
What is really funny is that we go right past the Tim Horton's counter and Michel completely ignores it while the staff stop what they're doing and turn to watch her pass. Once a little guy wanted to give her a piece of his cookie so I said okay, put her in a sit and she gently took the bite of cookie he offered her -- the little guy's Dad was so impressed with her manners he asked if I could train their sheltie. Gotta love our greys. LOL