Friday, June 17, 2011

Kudzu's First Therapy Dog Visit

Just a month past his leg amputation, Kudzu made his first appearance as a "therapy dog in training" yesterday.  Some dogs are just born to be therapy dogs, and Kudzu is certainly among them. 

At the library, he laid still next to Isaac as Isaac read a "Clifford the Big Red Dog" book to him.  (Isaac was featured with his golden, Cosmo, in yesterday's post.)



Then Kudzu chilled out with big sister, Dacey, at Brookhaven Animal Rescue League while Mom took pictures of some of the newest arrivals.

Kudzu LOVES being LOVED!

BARL pup, Meeko.  Such a cutie!!




Once Mom finished up there (after taking 75 pictures!), we went to the nursing home.  Mom has taken lots of dogs to the nursing home over the past seven years.  She says that most of them behave nice enough, but few of them instinctually know why they are there.  Kudzu is one of those few.  The first resident that Kudzu visited was a lady sitting in a recliner.  He promptly put his front paw in her lap and attempted to lick her face.  Everyone he met shared the same reaction: surprised by joy!  Everyone quickly inquired as to the nature of his injury and the meaning of his name.  Our favorite moment of the afternoon came when we visited with a lady who owned a Golden Retriever before moving into the nursing home.  Since she is bed bound, Mom helped Kudzu up on to her bed and then helped the lady to put her arm over Kudzu.  She held him tightly for several minutes.  It blessed all of us to see her reaction to him.




It was a great day.  Kudzu even got some extra treats for behaving so nicely.  Once we were home though, all he wanted to do was SLEEP.  You could honetly say Kudzu was "dog tired".
  He worked hard on his first day in training.  We were all very proud of him.



          Kudzu relaxing on the "dog couch" after a long day.


                                          



AROOOOF!
Boondocks and Kudzu


(Not sure why the font is not displaying in appropriate size.  Sorry for any inconvience!)


11 comments:

  1. All the "goldens" are great... but Kudzu has that "special quality" that only comes along now and then. I am so glad he came to our family!

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  2. That's a special story with the woman in the nursing home. He definitely earned that nap today!

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  3. I bet everybody just fell in love with Kudzu. And Kudzu was so nice to lay in bed with that lady. I bet it made her smile!

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  4. Hi Y'all,

    What a great day! What a special dog Kudzu is!

    Y'all come by now,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

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  5. Kudzu certainly has the gift for being a fantastic therapy dog. I am sure he will bring many many smiles on each and every visit.

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  6. such a sweet dog :) Glad he is fittling into his position as a therapy dog!

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  7. That's so wonderful! Wooohooo to Kudzu!

    Woofs & hugs,

    ~Bailey

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  8. Way to go, guys!! Keep sharing the love!!

    Puppy Kisses,
    Tanner

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  9. Wow! This made me cry. Such a gift you are giving. Afte watching my father in a nursing home, and knowing how much a pup visit would have brightened his days, what you are doing has great impact on so many. I am hoping one day to possibly get Miss Stella involved in something like this.
    Just Ramblin'

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