Victor's nursing home visit yesterday

[smkie]

WE went as we always do on Sunday seeing our friend Betty first and then going out into the halls and the rec room. WE passed a lady sleeping on the sofa..at least i thought she was sleeping. SHe was younger then i am, had wild red tangled hair and was very tall. I know this because after we walked past her and started visiting with a gentleman she LEAPED up ran the few steps to us grabbed Victor's head pushed her face into his until they were eyeball to eyeball and chanted victorvictorvictor. It happened so fast that there was no way to reposition him. She had him and all i could do was hold my breath and pray. He never shifted, he didn't try to back up, he showed no stress at all, the only thing he showed was a bit of relief and rolled his eyes to me after she turned loose. She went right back and curled up on the sofa.

IT was as strange as the man that walked down the street when we were having a raku firing. Victor was laying on his bed off to the side of the sidewalk when the man sat down next to him, then he lay down beside Victor on his bed, put his arm over him and stayed that way for about 10 minutes. THen he got up and walked away. If you knew how flightly Victor use to be you would know why i am proud of him for both of these occurances. Both completely odd.


No way Mary or Pepper would have tolerated either...they wouldnt' have bit, but they sure as heck would have jumped away. I don't know how Victor understands but he does.

He does know the difference. One night when i was packing up at the guild a man walking by saw Victor on the steps in the doorway. THat man bent over and stared at Victor..it was obviously to intimidate, the guy was drunk and he was an idiot. Victor showed him all of his teeth and a belly growl too. So it isnt' like he is unresponsive to threatening gestures. I was always glad when i was leaving the building alone that Victor was there. I loved that he watched the door when my back was turned. I never told him to do this, it is just his way. Guess what i mean to say is Good boy Victor. I couldn't have done it with that lady. I would have jumped out of my skin. No one moves that fast in a nursing home.

[Zoom]

Wow, that's....wild. I would have jumped a mile out of my skin too if I had been in Victor's position. Good boy, Vic!

[Island dog]

They are truly amazing animals and we know so little about how they process what they are exposed to and their surroundings. Then there are the ones that stand out like Victor. It's easy to see why you would be proud.

[smkie]

You just don't expect anyone to move that fast in a nursing home. There was one other time at Special Olympics that a young woman put her face in his like that..she didn't hold his head however. i asked her if she was looking at something in particular and she said "i am waiting for him to lick me". I lol because she would wait along time...he knows he isn't suppose to lick people. WHen i told her that she went on to petting which was just fine with him.

[suthrnladi]

Good boy Victor. I believe that most dogs have a sixth sense about "special" people. Victor seems to have an extra helping. It's awesome that you're able to do this. I'm hoping to train Shane as a therapy dog to go to school with me and work with my students with disabilities, any hints? Thanks

[smkie]

I contacted the org and found out that they had a test. THe first therapy dog i had was through Platte County. THe test was miles easier than the test i went through with Pets for LIfe. They give you a guide line of what is expected. I never had to do anything much with Bronki to prepare. Victor on the other hand was a piece of work. WE took the first test with PFL and failed. WE worked for about 6 months retested and passed. Victor was high strung, skittish and over sensitive. We trained in public, in parking lots, and in hardware stores. I carried rattly sacks in my leash hand, got him use to the swishing sounds of umbrellas, and loud bangs (they drop a big metal bowl or something like that) when your dog is in a down stay and he is suppose to stay in a down stay. This was the hardest part for Victor. They have to pass other animals without sniffing, walk with a loose leash, not be afraid of strange things like wheel chairs, people with walkers, or that walk differently or sound differently, there are quite a few things like this. WHatever org you go through should be able to help you. Ours has a meeting you can go to first that gives you all the info you need.

[Barb04]

All I can say is "I'm very proud of you Vic!"

[bubbatd]

Victor !