My Great Dane "Olly" and I are proud members of the Delta Society's Pet Partner Program! Each week we give our time bringing a little joy and hopefully a smile to the patients in the local hospital.

The Delta Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives and health of humans through interaction with animals.

For more information on how you can volunteer with your pet or just yourself , feel free to e-mail me.  I will be glad to share some of our experiences and show you the benefits of volunteering.

You may also learn more about this program at the Delta Society web site http://www.deltasociety.org

“Thanks for the Memories”: A Pet Partners’ Story 

The room was dimly lit and the only sound was that of a breathing machine.

I tapped on the door and gently pushed it open seeing an elderly man sitting quietly by the bed looking tenderly at the woman lying in it. The nurse at the ICU nurses station had suggested we check room #4, saying the gentleman there with his wife had seemed to have had a sad and lonely day. Maybe a visit would cheer him. You see, me and my dog Olliver-a175 lb. Great Dane-are a pet partner team and we volunteer at the local hospital. Our job is to bring a smile and hopefully a little joy to what can be a sad, lonely place for some people.

The man seemed a bit startled to see us at the door. But I introduced myself and Olliver explaining that we were a visiting pet partner team and would be pleased to visit with him if he would like. He took my hand in one of his and stroked Olliver’s long ears with the other a smile bright on his face. He asked several questions about Olly and we shared several laughs about what people think when they see such a large dog, especially in a hospital! Bit by bit he began to unfold his past. All the while clasping my hand, stroking Olliver and gazing lovingly at his wife. Olliver is a wonderful therapy dog. He stood patiently then finally laid down beside the man. The advantage he has by being so large is that he is easy to reach even when lying down! The old man shared stories of their life on a ranch, the horses, cattle and of course the dogs they had had. By the look on his face I could tell he was a long way away, living that past again. Olly and I listened patiently as he relived the many adventures he and his wife had shared. It was a pleasure to see his rugged face light up as he laughed and told story after story. I don’t know how much time passed, it didn’t matter as I knew this would be our final visit for this night. Sometimes you just know where you are really needed and it doesn’t matter how much time it takes.

Finally he blinked back some tears and squeezed my hand real tight. He ruffled Olly’s ears and gave him a little hug. “Oh my”, he said. “So many of these things I haven’t thought of in years? Thank you so much for the wonderful visit. For taking the time to sit with me and for bringing back so many memories. We had a good life, yes, we did.”

We shared our good-byes and as I closed the door I saw him reach for his wife’s hand and heard him say. “Yes, we did make good memories, didn’t we.” And he leaned over to kiss her cheek.

As Olly and I made our way to the parking lot the tears slid down my face and I had to give him a big hug! “You did a good job tonight, Baby Dog”, I tell him. Sometimes it doesn’t take a lot of words or effort. Just being there, listening, sharing and letting someone else share. Giving some of your time can make such a difference. That is why I love volunteering with Olliver.

So, smile! And make a memory today.