Samson visits the hospital

We got to visit the hospital today. This was a 2 hour long visit, we walked around the entire hospital and visited almost every room. Samson was a big hit with the staff members. One of the nurses has two Boxers, so she was just loving Samson! People are so amazed at that a mellow boy he is.

When we went to visit the pediatrics there was a little girl screaming crying, we asked her mom if she would like to visit the dogs, and right when the little girl saw the dogs her crying stopped and her mouth dropped, she was in love! She kept patting them on the head calling them puppies. It was a really cute moment. Her momma told us they have two pits at home, so she is used to bing around bigger dogs and getting lots of licks.

It was a long day for Samson. The second we got home, he jumped on the couch and went to sleep!

Samsons first day out!

Today was Samsons first day visiting the clients at the mentally challenged campus. He had a great time, he was super excited to meet everyone. His nub was wiggling the whole time! I would say he met about 20 people, maybe more. One of the guys there, we'll call him J, liked Samson a lot! He sat with him the whole time. Samson was taking all the belly rubs he could get, and he sat on everyone who came to visit! Boxers sure do love to sit in your lap, don't they? He was such a good boy when they would walk him around the gym, walking nice and calm in a heel.

When we were getting ready to leave, and a man in a wheelchair came in and Samson went right up to him as if the wheelchair wasn't even there. When he was a puppy, he was very fearful of thing like wheelchairs and walkers. Agility training has really helped him overcome his fears! One of the girls was scared he was going to bite her because he is a dark colored dog. I told her he was a very nice boy and he wanted to sniff her hand. So one of the staff members said they would hold her hand and Samson could sniff both their hands. Well, he sniffed, gave them a couple licks, then came the butt wiggles and kidney bean dance. She petted him a little, but was still a little nervous, so she left. He was a big hit today, and we are both looking forward to our next visit.

Samson is exhausted, happily sleeping on the couch! Tomorrow we go visit the Hospital.

Fresh meat!

Today was my first experience with the therapy dog group at the mentally challenged campus. Samson stayed home this round because his vest is not done, and I wanted to see if this is something he would like. I defiantly think he would like working there! Its high energy and the patients are so sweet and nice.

The first half hour we hung out with the men. One guy in particular was just a total sweetheart. He loved walking the standard poodle around the gym. He kept asking me to bring pictures of Samson for him to keep, how sweet is that?!

The last half hour was with the women. They came rushing over to me to ask me 100 questions! I was fresh meat and their new best friend! They really didn't pay much attention to the dogs, they just kept asking me question after question, and asking for hugs. They also kept asking me for pictures! I am going to print a bunch of wallet size pictures out for them. Hopefully I can bring my camera to take pictures of them and Samson.

I really enjoyed working with them. Maybe I'll find my calling in life doing this program?! I cannot wait till I can take Samson!

He got his vest!

Yesterday Samson got fitted for his Therapy Dog vest. I also got two shirts and my name tag. Everything was free too!(except, I paid $10 for a extra shirt and made a $10 donation). I took the vest to the mentally challenged campus because they do embroidery there, take 1-2 weeks to have it done. So Samson also got to have his first therapy dog experience! It was fun walking him around and all the people knew he was a Boxer and kept saying how handsome he was. One guy was pushing a cart next to Samson while he was laying down next to my chair, Samson jumped up and the guy yelled he doesnt like dogs, so I put Sam back into a down-stay.

Tomorrow I have a walk through at the mental hospital with the therapy dog group(going without samson) to see if I think that is something Samson will like.