April 24th

Rissa worked her magic again with several patients at the hospital and retirement village. We attended union negotiations before we started our rounds. Very interesting - one woman Rissa really didn't want to have pet her. She was very in tuned with her visitor and when I tried to bring her to the woman again - she went back to her company. I don't know if she had a smell from medicine or what? but her reaction was different than I have ever seen from Rissa. I took all 3 girls on a hike and swim in the afternoon with Pilot and Moxie (mini aussie and Schippkee??)- nice day and no bugs yet. Jill swims! I really had my doubts she would - and don't think she had swum a lot if ever - high doggie paddle strokes and she took on a lot of water - but she retrieved the bumpers and swam - following Timber's lead - she thought she could only enter the water where Timber did. Poor Timber - getting "cold tail" again this year. I waited a month longer than last year to take them in the water - last night it was obvious her tail was bothering her so I gave her an aspirin right away - not as bad this morning as last year... Rissa and Jill don't seem to be bothered. Timber is just a stronger swimmer and uses her rudder tail differently?? Her tail looks like a pony...

April 16th

School day with Rissa! Group reading - kids so cute and Rissa loves to be surrounded by them. I would read a book to the class "for Rissa" and when I was done I'd say - "Did you like that book Rissa??" and right on cue - she would start beating her tail on the floor - the kids squealed and I think most believe she really listens. School vacation next week here and then Timber will resume her 1:1 kid duties. Rissa will go one more time for the class reading before school ends. Hard to believe we are starting to plan our end of the year celebration and certificates for the kids.

Friday 4/10

Rissa was "on" again at her pet therapy visits - any and all should pat my belly is her motto. We made visits to 10 patients/families and numerous staff got their Rissa fix today. "Just what I need today - a kiss from Rissa" We scooted off to BBV and saw our regular folks - some at exercise class and even one at the beauty parlor!

April

No school last week or this week - will get a pet therapy visit in with Rissa this friday.