So Human Grandad is staying in a new home. I am told it is a 'care home' Well I am pleased to report that as far as I can tell, the care is really splendid.
For dogs anyway.
You should have seen the admiring glances I drew as I paraded down the corridor with Gail and HGY when I first went to visit. It was a hot day and we sniffed out HGD basking in the courtyard. No soon as I'd licked his hand in greeting than a nice lady rushed out with a pink plastic bowl of water, specially for me. I am often a bit cautious about drinking from strange bowls, and I am not (says Gail) an especially thirsty dog anyway, so I decided not to partake of the proffered beverage, being more interested in watching a ginger cat I'd seen stalking in the nearby shrubs. Within a minute, a different lady rushed out with a bigger container full of water, saying she quite understood I wouldn't want to drink from the cat's bowl. This one did look more inviting so I decided to humour her and take a few sips.
Later we took HGD back into the sitting room, where the other residents didn't look very animated. At least not until I walked in, when at least three hands reached out to give me a pat, and several craggy faces broke into smiles. Now I'm not always keen on random people touching me on the head, but with Gail's encouragement, I allowed them all to stroke my ears, and didn't bounce too much. It seemed the right thing to do.
We said goodbye to HGD and Gail took me for a long walk. Oh yes I had a fine old time exploring ancient tracks through woods and across fields in the East Nottinghamshire countryside.
So all in all, a most satisfactory day, from my perspective.
But, well, you know how us pups can sense certain things? As I sat on the sofa besides Gail later in the evening, I could tell she wasn't quite so happy with the new state of affairs. "Bertie", she said eventually, "you just have to remember it's not all about you".
I decided to snuggle up closer.
Hi Bertie,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like HGD is in a good and safe place. Sounds like they really look after everyone there. That was nice that they brought you lot's of water. Good thing you didn't drink out of that C-A-T bowl. If you did, you may have lost your bark.
Please give Gail an extra snuggle for us. We know the emotions one goes through when looking after our elderly loved ones. Some days are tougher than others.
Hugs,
Lily Belle & Muffin
Sending extra snuggles to your Mom, Bertie. Not only did they offer you a KITTY bowl...butt it was PINK! Sheesh! You have a lot of training to do over there on how you want your water served and how you want your steak cooked!
ReplyDelete:)
You did pawsome Bertie and we can understand why everyone just loved you
ReplyDeleteSounds a good place to spend a few hours visiting, well done letting them pat your head, we hate that x
ReplyDeleteSounds like a real tough time Gail. Glad to hear Bertie is playing ball and knows how to comfort. Hugs. Ax
ReplyDeleteAwww - sounds like your plate is full with all of the people who need your attentions. Keep giving Gail extra snuggles -- it is hard when humans make big transitions like HGD just did. My mom volunteered a long time ago taking puppies from the SPCA to a home like HGD lives in now. It brightened the most stubborn people's day in spite of themselves. Nice that you would let them pet you -- you made their day and they are probably still talking about it and hoping you will be back soon!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like HGD is in a nice place, and you'll be able to visit to keep his spirits up. That's a good thing! Be sure to take good care of your momma. I think she needs it too.
ReplyDeleteIt's difficult to find a caring environment B/G and you appear to have been lucky. I'm sure it will take time for everything to settle down.
ReplyDeleteI've read many articles about dogs which visit such homes and the therapeutic effect they have on residents. Well done Bertie.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteBertie, your Higher Instinct Moments were wonderful, this is called "tuning in" and you demonstrate great promise as a therapy dog! Yourself and Gail may like to know that I gave you a 'shout out' on today's Menosukhi post. Gotta gather that Love with the capital 'ell'.
Be sure to keep up the snuggling. Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx [ and for Gail Y((((((U))))))AM ]
Dear Bertie and Gail..I (Mom) exactly what you are feeling and thinking and experiencing.
ReplyDeleteA mixed bag of brand new feelings. Each time I visit my Mom I have to remind myself this is her new normal and I must adjust. I will send you an email about a meeting I attended at my Mom's facility last Tuesday. It was very helpful.
Hugs Cecilia and Madi too
Smart move Bertie. Our peeps have much on their plate. We hope your human grandpa is doing ok and that he likes his new home. Sometimes peeps don't like moving so much. Be good to Gail!
ReplyDeleteWe're not sure about it NOT always being about you....but you have to humour them sometimes. We know you brought so much happiness to those people in the Care Home. We hope HGD is settled and HGY, too.
ReplyDeleteXXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy
We don't drink a lot of water either.
Hi Bertie,
ReplyDeleteKeep giving Gail lots of snuggles, make sure she walks every day in the fresh air (she needs to be exercised!) and that she and HGY eat good meals (by being available, at regular times, to check the quality of their food) even on the days that they don’t feel like doing these things.
It will take time for Gail and HGY to get used to the changes, and the house must feel so strange at the moment without HGD there in his usual chair, but we know how much your family cares for HGD (wanting him to have the best care possible) so, next time you visit, remind HGD of how much he is loved by snuggling up to him too.
Thinking of you all,
Riley (and his mum)
Well Bertie you not only cheered up your HGD butt obviously some OTHERS as well. THAT is a very good thingy.
ReplyDeleteButt we are sorry that your HGD is staying in this new place. We WISH he could be at his own home, butt we suppose this will be easier fur him and your HGM and Gail. They won't have to worry about HGD so much.
Bertie, you were very nice to let eveyone pet you. HGD is in a place where he will be taken care of, but your if your Mommy gets sad, you can make her feel better.
ReplyDeleteYou are lucky to get to go visit HGD, and we think it is all about you. Lee and Phod
ReplyDeleteYou are a good dog, Bertie. I went to visit my Human Grandpa once in the care facility. It was all giggles and smiles, until the activity director came running into the room all animated and I growled at him...I thought he was going to hurt my Grandpa. Whoops,
ReplyDeleteWyatt
Bertie, Lee told me all about how the one before me use to go to a care center when her
ReplyDeletehuman Dad was there and how he made everyone so happy. Apparently we dogs have quite the ability to bring cheer to those care centers.
Thanks for sticking with us during our sickies.
Sweet William The Scot
Howdy Bertie, we're happy to hear you have visited HGD and hope he has settled in. Mum also sends HGY and Gail hugs because this is a tough time for you all. We're glad you were able to let some of the residents have a pat and hope next time they save you a biscuit! Take care Bertie and Gail. We're thiking of you mates. No worries, and LOVE, Stella and Rory
ReplyDeleteDear Bertie (and Gail)
ReplyDeleteI know what a difficult time this is for you all and hope that HGD is settling in and that HGY is comfortable with things. It's so nice that you got to visit (hope that you get lots of those visits) I also pray that things go from good to perfect in this new phase of all your lives. Bertie, please tell Gail that we are thinking of you all.
Bertie, you obviously bring so much joy and cheer to many people - especially Gail. Stay close to her during this time because I know she needs you.
And...Give her a "Bertie-lick" from us.
With love
MAXMOM IN SA
Oh Bertie, I think you did a great job making the best of a stressful situation. Your grandfathers new care home sounds very nice, but I'm sure it is still difficult for him and for Gail. Cheers to you for being such a good friend
ReplyDeleteYour pal, Pip
The restorative ( should that be rejuvenating ? ) power of a Bertie should never be underestimated .
ReplyDeleteBertie u have done a beautiful day
ReplyDeleteUrban hounds
Well. We are catching up. And totally completely understanding. In lots of ways. One thing we've got exactly in common is that healing capacity. For the HGDs and the Grammas and all the other elders. And for OurMomas and the Gails. WFTs have to be among the most comforting and consoling and happy-making breeds. Thank goodness.
ReplyDeleteWe're thinking aboutcha, Bertie. And Gail. (We think it's about time the people REALLY catch up. We'll work on OurMoma to write a letter.)
xx
J&F