Buddy at work

Several times a month we go to two different hospitals that share the same building. First Buddy visits with two groups of teens. These are small groups and we have the kids sit around Buddy on the floor. We know many of the kids and always have a few new ones join in. It is easy and fun for Buddy and the kids all want to cradle and cuddle the little dog. Today we had our new books so they enjoyed seeing other pets in the program. Then Buddy takes his break and we go outside to potty and stretch his little legs. Next we visit with the other side of the building and it is a very different experience. These kids may already be hanging out in a room and are less excited about seeing us at first. But our goal is always to engage everyone. Today was so interesting. A few kids knew us and told the others that Buddy was from China, spoke Mandarin and had wonky legs! I am always surprised and honored when they remember specific things about the dogs. Slowly they came over to where we were sitting and got down to Buddy’s level around his blanket. Before you knew it (group done everyone was engaged with us. We even had some staff join us. One kid in particular did not want to interact with us at first. But after a while even that teen wanted to hold Buddy on their lap. We stayed the full hour and Buddy didn’t want to leave!