For Me ? ! ? by Tiffany Zook

Once, when visiting Oak Leaf Manor with our Jack Russel, Kira, the residents were checking on their homemade ice cream in which they prepared a bit earlier than our arrival.  Excited to see Kira and me, one of the residents grabbed the scoop and dipped a mouth watering bowl of fresh vanilla ice cream.  I was flattered!  She walked over to me, and at the last second, placed it on the floor for the dog! Kira was in heaven....   

Take Your Meds, Please by Sherry Waple

My Aussie, Chloe, and I are new members to Kpets.  We became registered on February 28th and had our third visit at Elizabethtown Manor Care on Tuesday, March 8th.   
On this  visit, one of the nurses was having a difficult time getting one of the residents to take their medication.  The resident really likes Chloe so the nurse started to tell her that the meds were from Chloe and that Chloe wanted her to take them.  The resident still wouldn't take them.  So I asked the resident if she wanted to shake Chloe's paw.  She said she did.  I told her that if she took her medicine then Chloe would shake her hand.  She took her meds right down!  Of course, Chloe shook her hand and the resident was very happy:)  I was sooooo proud of Chloe and the nurse thanked me for helping.  I told the nurse that is what we are there for.  Not just to  visit, but to help in anyway we can.  


It really made me feel good that we were able to help with the meds and I can see how much of a difference Chloe makes emotionally with the people that request to see her each week when we visit.  It also makes you feel good after being there a few times that some of the residents know Chloe by name and she's really getting to know them pretty well too. 


I am really glad we became a part of Kpets and are making a difference in their lives.  

Therapy Dog Gets Human Therapy! by Nan Hanshaw

In January, Smidgen, my boxer had major surgery to repair one of her knees.  She had an immune reaction to the metal plates which were placed in her leg, and recovery has been difficult.  She is probably facing yet another surgery on this knee, and the other knee will also need repair if this one heals.  She has been without a walk or other activity for nine weeks, and is likely looking at several more months at the very least.  She is not allowed to play tug with the other dogs and can’t go for car rides.  She is depressed because she is not visiting and doesn’t get enough mental stimulation or exercise, and she has pain in her leg.  

Several  weeks ago Jeanne Beckley from MICU at the Hershey Med Center did a “human therapy visit”.  She came to our house and brought a gift bag full of toys and treats and a get well card signed by all the staff and a few of Smidgen’s favorite physicians from MICU.  This cheered Smidgen and her mom up quite a bit.  As you can see by the photo, she is very attached to one of her new squeaky toys.  We hope to get Smidgen back in shape to be able to visit her friends in MICU again soon.