October 17, 2009

Please tell us something memorable about a time that you volunteered for C.A.T.

Anna:
"I have numerous memorable moments volunteering for C.A.T. There are so many facets of volunteering; visiting facilities, fund raising, education, temperament testing of new recruits, and promotional awareness to name a few. Having been a member of C.A.T. for almost one year, there have been many first time experiences.

The children will always touch my heart, but this year I had one member of the staff in the facility I visit be very fearful of dogs. She avoided Cosmo and spoke to us from afar. Her family wanted a pet very badly but was vetoed by Mom. She was terrified! So after much convincing, this staff member finally touched Cosmo, then practiced stroking him every visit, (from the rear at first). The terror has been alleviated, and she now has a beautiful Boxer puppy at home which she helps care for. She always calls Cosmo into her office for some special loving.

There are too many memorable moments to relate when Cosmo and I have visited with the children at the facility. Often when the visit is over and I am settling Cosmo in the car, I realize the enormity of suffering these children endure daily. Then, once in a while I allow myself to shed a tear or two.

One first experience for us was the sweet child in the wheelchair who has a smart and lively brain but could not move anything but his hands, which were unnaturally twisted. His eyes lit up brightly and he gave a huge grin on seeing Cosmo. He immediately asked if he could walk Cosmo up and down the corridor. I hesitated for a second as Cosmo had to perform this task safely without being run over, as the smiling child waited I placed Cosmo's leash in his hand. The case-worker and I were beaming at the child's cries of delight as Cosmo proudly, yet gingerly, trotted in front of the wheelchair. We have performed this now with different children many times since, but I will never forget that first time!

Sometimes the doctors will ask us to sit next to a child as they are given injections. The child will stroke Cosmo with his free hand and smile at him through their tears of pain. Cosmo does a good job of distraction. He even sneaks in a lick or two. I often have to tell him, "Keep your licker in your mouth Cosmo", which amuses the child to a giggle.

It has been a year of 'firsts' for Cosmo also, and he has handled the unusual and sometimes noisy equipment in the clinic with no problem. He will sit with the children on the loud ventilators until they fall asleep. The siblings of the children being treated also attend the clinic with their families. Many times we all sit in a circle in the corridor and as Cosmo is performing tricks and being petted, I try to educate these children on how to love and care for a dog. I have to be very mindful that some of the little children have no knowledge of how to behave around animals and poor Cosmo sometimes receives some heavy prods and pokes from the rougher children. Cosmo has been amazing and has made me so very proud as he loves all the attention the children shower on him and offers much love in return."

C.A.T.: How has becoming a C.A.T. Team changed you?

Anna: "Volunteering for me is rewarding but also a humbling experience. It has reminded me how fortunate I am to bring a smile to a child's lips or comfort to an adult who may be having a stressful day. All this takes place just by being there with my dog!  I am very grateful to have met some wonderful and genuine people in the C.A.T. Team world. My dog, Cosmo, is like Velcro and loves to be close to me at all times. I had been looking for some time to find a therapy group who are what I like to call 'Full Service'.  C.A.T. evaluates dog teams, places them in an already vetted facility, and accompanies the volunteer on first visits. For a new volunteer it is a dream scenario.  No other therapy group in this area takes time to be so involved.
                    
Because of my working mainly out of the county for so many years, I had not been able to be part of the community life.  C.A.T. allowed my dog and I the opportunity to give back to the community together. I do not know that becoming a C.A.T. Team has 'changed me' as much as it has enriched my life and given Cosmo and I a new sense of purpose and a reason to be positive and happy every day.  When I volunteer for C.A.T., with or without Cosmo, it is always a positive experience and I enjoy that feeling. I feel lucky I found C.A.T.!"