The lady who takes care of me is taking out my blue Therapy Animals vest, a water bottle and a small bag of treats.  Yea!!  It must be Thursday!  I can’t help myself – my tail starts wagging like crazy.  I hurry up and sit down so she can put on my vest.  We are going to a facility in Boerne!  I love my new job sooo much. 

We get in the car and before long we are at the Care Center.  As soon as we go inside, I am greeted by the same three nice ladies I saw last time.  They were waiting for me just inside the main door.  I am told to sit and be still and I readily obey.  The ladies are patting my head and stroking my back.  I can tell they are as glad to see me as I am to see them.  While I am having lots of fun, it takes a lot more energy than you might think.  So many people and scents to investigate! 

Next, we go down the hallways to look for a resident who is awake and wants some company.  As we go from one room to another, I can see their faces bloom with sunshine.  Their spirits rise as we come into the room.  They are always so nice!  They pet me and talk nicely to me.  Sometimes they even want to give me candy or cookies but the lady who takes care of me doesn’t let me eat them. 

Before I know it, our visit is over but before we leave, I get to stop by the bird cage to watch the parakeets.  It’s really fun watching them fly from one perch to another. 

I love my job!  I am so happy the lady that takes care of me has made me a Therapy Animals Therapy Teams.  It is so satisfying to bring cheer and love to the residents.  I can tell they look forward to my visits.  And I look forward to visiting them.  We make each other happy.  Everyone should give up some of their time for meaningful volunteer work.  I bet it would make them happy too!

Mr. Dallas