Lady and Rascal visit Christian Health Center

Discussion

August 15, 2006

Vickie Bramlett

Anonymous The Times-Tribune Tue Aug 15, 2006, 10:34 AM EDT

In preparation of our visit on Thursday to the Christian Health Center, Wednesday evening I soaked Lady and lathered her with the oatmeal shampoo. After the rinse, I squirted her with the chamomile crème rinse and rubbed the mixture into her luxurious coat. After a final rinse, she was towel dried and turned over to Phillip for a leashed walk in the sun.

Then it was Rascal’s turn. He, too, enjoyed a shampoo and crème rinse. Then he joined Lady in the sun to finish drying while I mopped and cleaned the bathroom.

Before bedtime, Lady and Rascal’s teeth were brushed with the mint-fresh toothpaste, a part of our nightly routine.

I put together a few items in anticipation of our visit. The Eukanuba bag was filled with two bouncy balls, a squeaky football, and a rubber curry comb.

Thursday morning I added the filled water bottle with tray and my camera to the bag. Then I cut up some chewy treats and put them in the bag. I wanted everything to be just perfect.

I brushed Rascal and Lady, got out the pink and blue Big Dog bandannas which read “Don’t just stand there. PET ME!” and tied them around their necks. They looked cuddly and adorable!

Ten o’clock a.m., that is, comes early for teenagers, but Victor was dressed and ready to go with us.

Victor and Deacon detest clothing on our pets, so somehow Rascal ended up getting out of the car without his blue bandanna.

Carol Engle, activities director at the Christian Health Center, met us at the door. I thanked her for inviting us.

This was a very special day for Lady—her first visit to a health care facility. Rascal has been three times and has thoroughly enjoyed each visit.

We boarded the elevator—again, a first for Lady. Both dogs were calm, though, as the elevator door closed.

We arrived on third floor. Many residents had already assembled in the activity room and were eagerly waiting our arrival.

Rascal and Lady immediately started mingling with the residents. Many precious, fragile hands reached for their soft canine coats. Some petted. Others used the curry comb to brush their coats. A few threw the balls for them to catch. One gentleman was content to firmly grip Lady’s leash.

Then Rascal and Lady showed off their talents in the center of the room. They took turns sitting, lying down, shaking hands, rolling over, and catching the balls and treats.

Then Victor amused them by picking up Lady and showing them how she likes to be held like a baby.

Some of the residents rewarded Rascal and Lady with tasty treats.

Now it was time to go to second floor. They, too, were anxiously awaiting our arrival in the activity room.

Rascal and Lady interacted with the sweet ladies and gentlemen. There was lots of petting. Some reminisced about pets from their past. Others called Rascal “Blackie.” A few commented that they would like to have a dog just like Lady. Some brushed them. Others fed them treats.

Again, Rascal and Lady showed off. This group loved Lady pretending to be a baby, too.

There were a couple of lovely ladies that asked Rascal for kisses. He was certainly delighted to oblige! There were plenty of smiles and laughter—which was the ultimate purpose of our visit—although Rascal and Lady loved the attention, too.

Rascal and Lady are a joy to our family, but sharing them with others and seeing the joy it brings is a real delight!

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