Pet Therapy Dog
Bodhi of the Rockies
Bodhi started “working” in the parking lot and visited a staff member taking a break on a bench. She said “you are so needed” and “you’re both angels!” That made my day!
This was probably my most favorite day of visting yet. We saw more folks than ever. And Bodhi brought so much joy and laughter and smiles. I’m so proud of him.
Waiting for love in the waiting room
The second-floor waiting room was extremely busy with a lot of family members waiting for their loved ones. I could see the excitement when Bodhi walked in, and everyone around the room was waiting to pet him as we went from person to person. Many told me about their own dogs too, and of course they said how gentle and handsome he is.
A few patient interactions
I was overjoyed to see the covid list – only one covid patient in the entire hospital!
It was a day for people telling us that their own dog had died recently, unfortunately, and a few people cried when they petted Bodhi.
We had a request to see a patient who had dementia. She was in a little bit of distress trying to remember where she was. Bodhi seemed to really like her, and she was glad that Bodhi dodged some medical equipment to get to her as she sat in a chair on the far side of the room. She started crying because her dog died recently. Petting Bodhi calmed her down a bit and she smiled and talked about her dog.
Another woman recently lost her dog and cried into Bodhi’s fur. Then she smiled and said “boy, that’s a way to spark joy!” Bodhi started wagging his tail at that. He agreed! Bodhi laid down (all that loving is tiring!) and I talked to the woman for quite a while. She volunteered for a few different dog rescues and we talked a lot about that (I also volunteer for Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies). She and her daughter appreciated us hanging out with them.
So appreciated
From staff to patient to family, everyone is very appreciative of a visit with Bodhi.
Everywhere we go Bodhi gets attention…on the elevator, coming out of the elevator, walking in the hallways, in the lobby. Just walking down the hall, Bodhi gets a lot of smiles and attention, and I get a lot of thanks.
And sometimes we get hijacked!
A staff member from radiology saw us in the hall and asked us to visit her department. Everyone loved Bohdi (and his necktie!). One nurse was helping a patient who had some sort of immune problem so the nurse couldn’t pet Bodhi. She stood there with her hands at her side and it was hard for her not touch him!
In the ER waiting room, one woman was crying and distressed. Bodhi went over to her to give her a little love. She perked up when she saw Bodhi and pet him for a little bit. Sometimes we stay with the person for a while and sometimes it’s a quick hello. Sometimes I engage them in conversation and sometimes I just introduce him and don’t talk much. In this case, I let Bodhi handle it.
Sometimes it’s best to just let the love happen.