TB test

So, last Monday (a week ago) should have been our normal playroom visit at the hospital. But, I got an email letting me know that I was due for my annual TB test and that I couldn't volunteer again until it was done. So, we had to skip that visit. I went today to get the test, should have it read by Thursday and will be able to do our normal oncology clinic visit next week. Whew!

On June 13th we had a very successful dog evaluation-5 teams out of 7 passed! Woo hoo! ABLE also had a fun meeting last week so everyone got to meet some of the new teams. I'm also still working on the new location out by me. It sounds like it might work out, so that will be great! It looks like Lucy and I might get up above 4 visits per month if all works out....

June Visits...so far

I always do the hospital the first Thursday of the month, and that went well last week! We tried putting Lucy in the crate by the front door of the hospital and that didn't go over very well. She seems to like her quiet corner to hop in and out of it. Once we moved it over there, it took a little encouraging--but she did get in. Her visit went wonderful. The kids just love her and climb all over her. One of the moms set a 7 month old baby right in front of her on the floor and she (the baby) and Lucy had a blast! She would jingle Lucy's leash and collar and pet her face. Lucy just kissed her! Adorable! One of my favorite patients thanked me for bringing her in that day. He said that it makes it much easier for him to go in to have painful procedures done after he has a visit with a dog. (On this day we're in the oncology clinic so the kids are waiting their turns to get their chemo injections or treatments.) Comments like that just make it all worth it!!

On Saturday, we went to M. to see the "at-risk" teens and had another great visit there. The girls were super excited to see her and enjoyed hugging and laying on her.

This weekend is another dog evaluation which will probably be the last one until Sept. They are such a great experience to organize, but a lot of work. Although, I have a good system down now, so that is making things much easier. And, I'm soooo thankful that another member of the group has stepped up to help me with the organizing volunteers portion of the evaluations. (Thanks, Amy!!!) Now, I'm able to focus on the scheduling and handler issues that come up. I have met some WONDERFUL people doing this and really love it. Fingers crossed that some teams pass the evaluation this weekend! We need to get more teams out there visiting!!!