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| photo by Françoise |
You might be wondering why Gail has a pot plant growing out of her head, but that is not the point of this post.
Perhaps you have already deduced that the photo above was not taken in our house.
We were visiting Gail's friend Françoise, who is currently stuck at home recuperating from a nasty three-times broken and still painful ankle.
I have often fantasised about being a therapy dog, going round bringing joy to people who need cheering up by jumping all over them and licking their wounds. Grateful 'clients' insisting on showering me with treats has always been an important part of the fantasy.
But to be honest, the whole experience the other day was rather disappointing, as I was kept on a short lead throughout the visit and was restrained from touching Françoise's ankle or even getting close to her. There was a distressing absence of dog treats too (although I noticed that the humans had cake).
I asked Gail why everything was so boring and she said I had misunderstood what is required of a therapy dog and first and foremost I needed to be aware that it's not all about me...
What???
Sorry Nobby. I feel your pain. Mr T used to be a therapy cat for an elderly lady. He was very patient about it even though we could tell he didn't much like having his head squeezed by a frail woman who had suffered a stroke (that's not fur stroke). You would be better off fantasizing about playing football with a bunch of rowdy kids.
ReplyDeletePS great photo by the way (even if Gail is wearing a pot plant)
ReplyDeleteOh Nobby, that is a shame, but perhaps you'll be a therapy dog when you're older?
ReplyDeleteCarol's first Labrador, Sultan, would have been very good as a therapy dog and was always very sympathetic towards people who were ill or distressed. No jumping up, he would just sit quietly beside them and they would pet or stroke him. He was a great favourite with the people in the care home where her mother-in-law lived. He didn't beg for treats either, but knew he would have something special after he'd been such a good boy.
So there you are, Nobby, you'll have to take a few lessons first, but I'm sure you'll do well.
Love,
Paca xx
P.S., If it's any consolation, Carol says I'd be no good as a therapy dog - I'm far too excitable and people don't like to be jumped on! I don't know why.
It's a learning process, Nobby, and you're still very young. Watch and learn.
ReplyDeletedon't be sad dear Nobby, we are no therapy dogs either... the mama said even the imagination gives her goose bumps... ummm ...what????
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteWell Nobby, you'll notice that comments so far are tending to side with Gail. I know you will ponder deeply on the why of this........ Hugs and wags YAM-aunty xxx
I did notice the plant thing, but then my eyes were drawn to YOU and admiring what a good dog you were being. that was before I read about the tight lead thing. I agree with all the comments, you will be better as you age. OR NOT. ha ha ha... we love you just as you are, you can leave the therapy to old dogs Like Beau and his older Mama. It was really good of you to go and be bored to help out Gails friend. some dogs are made to jump about and some to lay about. you and Gail are perfectly matched as am I with my Beau
ReplyDeleteI hadn't noticed the plant until you mentioned it. I was looking at the sweet interaction between you and Gail, Nobby. If you work hard at it, I'm sure one day you can be a great therapy dog!
ReplyDeleteBOL BOL Nobby thank goodness Gail does not have a plant sprouting what a relief. I agree with Molly about the precious moment you and Gail shared.
ReplyDeleteWHAT NOT ABOUT YOU!? Ummm it is your blog.
However, I truly understand Françoise's ongoing ankle injury is very fragile...even a slight wag of a very eager to be friends, Nobby, could make her see stars.
Hugs Cecilia
That's such a sweet picture of you and Gail. We're sure Françoise was uplifted just to have you there. It's too bad there weren't any treats for you though.
ReplyDeleteHi hi hi! Ojo here! No treats?!? Hm. Still, I'm sure you were Very Helpful!
ReplyDeleteOh dear, Nobby, another learning experience and an important one, too. Still, I think a few treats for you would have acted as positive reinforcement.
ReplyDeleteHaving a sweet pup there was probably enough to make Gail's friend feel very cared for! You did your best!
ReplyDeleteWell....now you know! Start a new pipe dream....or better yet, just be you and enjoy each and every day and whatever you get to do!
ReplyDeleteThe reward of being a theray dog is great, but suffocating our mischief is hard.
ReplyDelete