Junior laid in the bed with most of the patients today. Several family members interacted with him too. We were called into the playroom by therapists working with a young boy sitting in a wagon. They were trying to get him to let them take him out of the wagon so they could get him to walk a little. They lifted him out and I laid Junior in the wagon, and they got him to walk around the wagon so he could see Junior's face. Then I let the patient hold part of Junior's leash, and they were able to get the patient to walk out into the hall and part way down it. He smiled a lot! At first Junior just laid there as we dragged him by the harness-totally relaxed, even licking his paws. Then I would crinkle Junior's treat bag and he stood up and walked along with us. The therapist and other staff remarked how that was the most they had gotten the patient to walk in awhile! In another room a nurse asked me to bring Junior in to see a little boy while she took his Blood pressure. Apparently she had been trying all day but he would get so upset his blood pressure would soar. Junior laid in the crib and after they took the blood pressure, the nurse remarked, "it worked! Thank goodness for pet therapy!" I even took the blood pressure cuff an put it around Junior's paw pretending to take his blood pressure. The little boy, who had just started fussing, quieted and looked on with interest.

Therapy Animals Society has a famous kitty as a Therapy Teams!

University Hospital contracted with an artist to paint pictures for the them as part of their redecorating. They gave a 'stack' of photos to the artist and one of the ones he picked was of Junior on the bed with a little girl. It is hanging among a group of about 6 other paintings on the wall that you are facing as you exit the elevators onto the 9th floor (Pediatrics).

Bev and Junior feel honored and VERY grateful to have the opportunity of working with the children at this facility. They are so supportive of the concept of the therapeutic benefit of the animals. One of the VP's said to Bev, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could have a special room where there were therapy animals all the time, and people could come and go to spend time with the animals. They are so therapeutic."

                                              
Junior and young girl very contented!                                                                      So contented that they both fell asleep!

We visited this little 4 year old a couple of months ago and Junior was instrumental in getting him to take his first steps after a serious head injury. We even managed to get him to 'walk' (really more 'drag') Junior half way down the hall. Junior was totally unconcerned, grooming himself while being dragged. :) When I got to the hospital this past Tuesday, I found out the little boy was back in with some complications. I cannot really describe all that transpired during our visit with him, but it was one of those times you are reminded SO strongly why we do what we do. Junior laid with him in the wagon and the little boy hugged and petted him. After awhile, the little boy reached out and put his hand on my arm and just left it there, and I covered it with my own hand. When we first walked in, the mom said to the dad, "This is the cat that got him to walk again". Even though I know our part is such a tiny part in the whole scheme of things, it is a privilege.