Tuesday, August 25, 2009

TINKERBELLE- A THERAPY DOG STORY





A story about a very special "baby" of mine...she is a very special indeed. Her name is Tinkerbelle and she is an official Therapy Pet. She has a special gift of spreading joy and love to the elderly in a care facility in Grand Terrace California. I have many stories about her adventures there. Here is one that really showed me how very special therapy pets can be.
My Daddy just turned 90 years old in June. He lives at Grand Terrace Care Center. There was a fellow there a few years ago who always looked so sad. When I'd see him I would go to him and smile, say hello, and gently touch his shoulder. He wouldn't even blink. Wouldn't say a word. This happened several times. When I started bringing Tinkerbelle with me for our visits, Daddy was so happy to see her. She shared her love with him and many of the other residents.

One day, I saw this fellow in the hallway. I approached him and once again tried to converse with him. No response. I asked him if he liked dogs. Suddenly, he turned and looked at me. Wow! I picked Tinkerbelle up so he could see her. All of a sudden he got the biggest smile on his face and reached out to her with both hands. They became fast friends that day. He is no longer there, but I know, my Tinky touched a place in his heart that no human could. It makes me cry happy and grateful tears. She is my baby. And she is a blessing.
If you'd like more information on Therapy Pets, please click on the link below.

24 comments:

  1. What a wonderful story, thank you for sharing that.

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  2. I love it! Great story, and great job!

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  3. Button, that is such a sweet story. Thanks for sharing it with us.

    Btw, Tinkerbelle's a cutie with that bandana!

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  4. great story, how lucky to have that little Tinkerbelle to share.

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  5. Therapy dogs are the best ~ they bring so much happiness to people just by being cute and lovable and tinkerbell sure is! Looking forward to more posts :)

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  6. It's a lovely story. It touched my heart. It reminds me of my dog FHAM. She's gone now but she saved a life.

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  7. Thanks for sharing this uplifting story with us. It's truly amazing what a pet can do for anyone who loves it--especially an older person. My mom is 85 and 8 years ago I gave her a kitten-he is her best friend and brings her so much pleasure--

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  8. What a wonderful story and a GREAT friend you have in Tinkerbelle :) Doggies are just the best little furry blessings <3
    xoxo

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  9. Button, that is such a wonderful story! Animals are such amazing creatures- they can touch the souls of people the way no other human ever could. Your little Tink is doing something very important and special. During Gramma's stay in the nursing home a few months back a lady stopped in with a therapy dog. That was the highlight of Gramma's weeklong stay. And when she got home our "therapy cats" were there to greet her. Ozzy and Cedric never fail to make her smile, even when she's having a bad day.

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  10. Button - what a great, sweet story - I really enjoyed reading it!

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  11. Precious Tinkerbelle! How wonderful that you share that little sweetie with the residents of that facility!
    God bless you Linda, for you tender and loving heart, and God bless Tinkerbelle for his loving nature!

    xoxoxo, Daffy

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  12. bless your heart! My mom was a head nurse of a 80 bed ward in a nursing home. I would bring my daughter. she was still in diapers. cloth diapers. Mom would carry her around and hand her off to some of the elderly woman. Well my daughters diaper leaked all over this one lady and bless her heart she said to me, julia now dont ya wonder, not the first time a baby blessed me and God willin wont be the last!
    Have the best Day ever and make some happy memories!
    Jewelles
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  13. Beautiful, Button:). Thanks so much for taking the time to share!

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  14. What a moving story!

    Blessings to you!


    My Dad always took their dog to visit my grandma. Everyone played with Willoby! I think it took thme back to younger days!


    http://christiecottage.blogspot.com

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  15. What a beautiful story! I used to work with adults with developmental disabilities and there were always pets in the small group homes. They seemed to brighten everyone's day, no matter to whom the pet "belonged."

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  16. Lovely and inspiring story. How thoughtful of you to reach out to that dear man and find the key to bringing him joy.

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  17. Love this story and your sweet little Tink! I have two dogs that are truly a gift from God. I love them so much and they love me "unconditionally"

    Cindi

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  18. What a nice story.
    Thanks for visiting my blog and for becoming a follower. Keep up the good work.

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  19. That's so awesome! What a great testimony!

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  20. Thank you so much for taking the time to post your comments here. I really appreciate it.
    Bless you,
    :o) button

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  21. Great work! My daughter loved the pets coming in when she was in a hospice (she came out again - against all odds - thank the Lord!) - Its amazing how an animal can bring some pleasure in pain. Keep it up xx

    Love Julie
    Julie's Silk & Style

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  22. I LOVE IT!!! Thank you so much for sharing - God is so GLorious and loving the way He touches people with His lovely creatures...It reminds me that He slayed precious animals to cloth Adam And Eve...the shedding of innocent blood - and Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Biggest hugs!!

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