I'M TAKING PORKY TO BRIGHTVIEW TOMORROW. ONE OF THE RESIDENTS IS'NT DOING WELL. PORKY GOT A PHONE CALL FROM BRIGHTVIEW YESTERDAY ASKING IF HE WOULD COME AND DO A SPECIAL VISIT TO HELP LIFT HER SPIRITS. THEY SAID IF ANYONE CAN HELP HER IT WOULD BE PORKY, SO I'M CUTTING MY WORK DAY SHORT TO GET HIM OVER THERE TO TRY AND HELP.

The second email to follow up:

YESTERDAY PORKY GOT ALL DRESSED UP (HE LOOKED SO HANDSOME), AND WE WENT TO VISIT ELENOR, TO TRY AND BRING A SMILE TO HER FACE. AND BOY DID IT WORK! HER FACE JUST LIT UP, AND SHE WAS KISSING AND HUGGING HIM AND SAYING HOW ADORABLE HE IS. (JUST FOR A LIL BACKGROUND ON THIS:, PORKY AND ELENOR HAS HAD A SPECIAL BOND SINCE DAY ONE. FOR SOME REASON, SHE IS WHO HE ATTACHED HIMSELF TOO, ALWAYS GOES RIGHT TO HER, AND STAYS WITH HER, ALL THE RESIDENTS SAY PORKY LOVES ELENOR BEST.) PORKY HAS TO TAKE MOST OF THE SUMMER OFF BECAUSE OF THE HEAT. AND IN THAT TIME, ELENOR WENT DOWN HILL. SO WHEN HE GOT THE PHONE CALL TO TRY AND MAKE A SPECIAL VISIT TO SEE HER, WE HAD BUT NO CHOICE TO GET THERE! IT WAS GREAT TO GO BACK YESTERDAY AND SEE ELENOR CHEER RIGHT UP. PORKY BROUGHT HER A PROFESIONAL PHOTOGRAPH OF HIMSELF IN A NICE FRAME. ELENOR COULD'NT BELIEVE IT WAS FOR HER, SHE KISSED IT! AND SAID SHE WAS GOING TO KISS IT EVERYDAY! IT WAS SO HARD TO LEAVE THERE YESTERDAY. PORKY WAS FEELING A LIL FAMOUS , EVERYONE WAS BUZZING AROUND SAYING, "PORKY'S HERE, PORKY'S HERE" AND EVERYONE KNEW RIGHT WHERE TO FIND HIM. SNUGGLED UP TO ELENOR. I'M SO GLAD PORKY WAS ABLE TO HELP OUT IN SOME LIL WAY.

ALWAYS, LISA

Follow up to the "Porky and Eleanor Story".

On September 25, 2009, Porky and I set out for our weekly visit at Brightview Assisted Living. Before heading upstairs to visit with Eleanor, Porky made his rounds greeting everyone in the lobby and lounge. He made sure he said 'hello' to everyone. He was so happy and excited, but the mood quickly changed. I was pulled aside to be told Eleanor passed away on Saturday. As we headed upstairs, I thought to myself, how am I going to explain this to Porky? Then I realized I didn't have to. Porky ran right over to where Eleanor use to sit and he curled up right in his spot.. . . He already knew. . . .

In Loving Memory of Eleanor

At the Funeral they mentioned that Eleanor had more pictures of Porky in her room than her family.

It was really interesting, towards the end, as we were leaving, Jeanie pointed out a room and told me that the resident in there doesn't speak to anyone and probably won't be interested in Gabriel at all. Ironically, as we passed her room and Jeanie was telling me how anti social the woman was I heard someone calling, "WOW!! That's a BIG boy!!! How pretty is he!! Bring him in to see me!!! Helloooo.... please bring him back to see me!!" It was the resident I was told was withdrawn. I told Jeanie I heard her calling for us and then turned Gabriel around and went to her doorway (she had been eating breakfast and watching TV). She was soooo excited to see Gabriel, she was full of questions about him and she was VERY animated! After our visit, and reassuring her that we would visit again, Jeanie remarked on how very surprising that was and she never expected any such reaction from that particular resident. It was really nice and rewarding. I felt very proud of Gabriel. For such a big clumsy oaf, he carried himself very well and was such a sweet heart and he had his first elevator ride! Just thought I'd share our first visit. Oh, of course, it wasn't all peaches and cream... there was a resident who seriously dislikes dogs; she was sitting in a wheelchair in the hallway saying, "That’s a BIG dog!! Keep him away!! I don't like dogs!! Keep him away." I did keep Gabriel away from her and close to my side but of course, it would figure that the person who wanted the least to do with him would be the one who captured his interest. He REALLY wanted to snoot his way over to her!

Guinness

As Guinness and I were leaving the hospital there was a family ahead of us. The mom and dad and two elementary school age girls. The girls kept turning around to look at Guinness. They finally stopped their parents and they all were looking at Guinness. We approached and I ask if they wanted to pet him and explained he was indeed a friendly dog. The youngest ask if he was a "visiting dog" and I said yes he was a member of the healing paws program and that we were with pets on wheels. The little girl explained to me (all the while running her little fingers through Guinness's fur) they were reading a book in school about a dog that did visits. She said the name of the book was "Rosie the visiting dog" I told her "well you can now go back and tell your teacher you met a real visting dog". I asked her if she would like one of his cards and she gave a resounding yes!! Her older sister took one too. They walked away very pleased that they had met Guinness. Guinness was pleased he met two little girls.

Guinness (2nd story)

Guinness and I had the honor of attending two very special days at Port Discovery. We were invited to spend the days with children with disabilities. He stood patiently when blind children ran their fingers through his hair(and smiled) He stood very still when six developmentally disabled children hugged him. He gave gentle kisses to autistic children and lifted his big head onto the laps of children in wheelchairs. He approached multiple handicapped children very gently, he did not mind their jerky movements and hi pitched squeals. There were some children that were afraid of dogs but as the afternoon continued they were more comfortable with their furry friend. We met the most wonderful parents and children. One was a beautiful little girl named Raven. Guinness and I both enjoyed meeting her and her mom. It was a wonderful afternoon.

Spaetzle

Hello! My name is Janet Stollenmaier. My dog is a 6 year old Pug named Spaetzle. Every Monday night Spaetzle and I visit a group of people in the parlor at Augsburg's Assisted Living. When we arrive ,”they” are always waiting for us. Sometimes Ed and Elizabeth join us, Helen stops by on her nightly walk and lately we've had some other residents join us as well. The more the merrier - Spaetzle loves all the attention. Sometimes we all just sit and talk about events of the day or remembrances of the past. Sometimes we read funny emails and sometime we celebrate birthdays. For Spaetzle's 5th birthday I made a cake shaped like a bone and got party hats with doggy paw prints on them and of course ice cream - Spaetzle loves ice cream! I love to work in my garden and travel. My camera gets quite a workout and everyone enjoys looking at the pictures of all the beautiful flowers and most recently my trip to China.

I began making these visits in conjunction with Pets on Wheels when Spaetzle was 1 year old. This is a wonderful organization that has over 200 volunteers and 200 pets (cats, dogs, rabbits etc) in the Baltimore/Harford County area. We visit at over 100 facilities in the area including hospitals, nursing homes and rehabs. The experience has been so wonderful! The idea is to bring some joy to the residents of these facilities, but most certainly the joy that I receive is equal to any that I bring to them! I look forward to seeing all their bright, shining smiles as Spaetzle and I step off the elevator. Spaetzle just loves sitting in Dorothy or Lily's lap or curling up on the sofa next to someone and being petted. We all need to 'feel the LOVE' and clearly everyone in that parlor on Monday nights benefits. Submitted by :Janet Stollenmaier

P.S. The ”Bear Momma’s “ have told me “they really appreciate Janet’s visits not to mention her company and the little surprises that she provides for us.” We don’t know what we would do without her; she makes our Monday nights a joy.”WE HAVE THE VERY BEST VOLUNTEERS!

Chief

Well, Chief and I went back to Charlestown last night. I was really nervous and I almost backed out. It's been about 4 maybe 5 months since we were there last. I went in to our first friends room, Dorothy, and I asked if she wanted some company. She turned around and when she recognized us she started to tear up. She was so glad to see us. We talked for about an hour and she kept saying how much she missed us and she was glad we were back. I had no idea that we made that much of a difference in her life. I apologized for disappearing and I promised her we wouldn't do it again.

We then went to Don's room. He's a bit of, well, a grump and I thought he'd be less receptive. I was pleasantly surprised. He welcomed us back too. We talked about the holidays and he said something that was nice but a little sad. He said there is no lonelier feeling than being in a place full of people who you don't really know and most aren't very nice and the people who are nice are being paid. He said he likes having someone who comes to see him because they want to, not because they have to.

I stayed with him for about an hour and told him I'd be back next Monday and I will be and every Monday after that. I am going to do my best to win back thier trust.

Chief and I said our good bye's to the staff and we made our way out to the car. I got in and cried my eyes out. I had no idea that I made such a difference in their lives. I don't "do" anything accept sit and listen and talk but it makes such a difference in their world. I had no idea.... I'm glad I went back. Thanks for helping me back on the horse.

Xylia

I took my husky to Holly Hill Manor on Sunday and she was doing great. One resident was calling me and her from the hallway. I went into her room and her face lit up like a Christmas tree. Anyway she couldn't reach Xylia to pet her so I was trying to have her put her paws up on the bed but when I patted the bed she tried to make a flying a leap into the resident’s bed. Well I stopped it from happening but she did try one more time. The resident and I were laughing.

Magnum

After visiting pediatrics and 3 west on Monday I went down to the second floor which is ICU and CCU. I am not allowed to visit these wings but my daughter's father in law had been brought in for a stroke and I knew that the family would be in the waiting room and I wanted to see if I could do anything. Upon getting off of the elevator I went to the waiting area where the family was. My son-in-law has 6 sisters and 1 brother so it was pretty crowded. Magnum immediately started to go to each and every person there one at a time, I just let him do his thing off lead. Magnum is not easily dismissed so everyone had to pet him, after all this is his job and he knows it well. He really doesn't care if dogs are not you favorite "people". He just assumes that everyone loves him. Ed's father seemed to be comfortable and his vital signs were improving and due to the hour and Ed's mother being very tired everyone decided it was time to go home. As I started to walk out of the waiting area a woman stopped me and asked if I could take Magnum back to see her husband. I told her I was sorry but I was not allowed on the unit she then asked if she could pet him, I said absolutely and she proceeded to get on her knees and wrapped her arms around Magnum's neck talking to him all of the time. Soon she was weeping softly into his fur and he just set there as if to "say" I know, I know, it will be all right. After she was finished she got up and thanked me, I replied she was most welcome and I hoped everything would be okay. These dogs are a gift from God, there is no doubt in my mind about this. With the compassion that they show no words need be spoken. I truly don't know what I would do without my guys.

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I just so happened to come across your site tonight while looking for things to do in the County. I honestly wasn't sure what I had clicked on, but then I noticed it was the pets on wheels. I love dogs and cats, so I thought I'd scroll down to look at all the pics of the cute dogs. I finally came across one that looked so familiar with that red bandanna around his neck! Yes it was Magnum!! I know Magnum and his owner from an unfortunate time that my daughter had to spend in the hospital in Bel Air, MD, Upper Chesapeake Hospital. She was in there for 6 miserable days (for a child even one day in a hospital is bad). We found out that she had been suffering from a severe kidney infection! Her fever would shoot up over 100* then down to normal, then back up over 100* again and so on and so forth! She was so sad the entire time, crying to go home, and missing everybody was so upsetting to her. She started to become depressed, even though I was there the entire 6 days with her, she seriously missed home. Then on her fourth day she had an unexpected visitor. There we was watching cartoons on the tv and with a knock on the door there was Magnum with his owner! She was laying in bed when Magnum walked right over to her bedside and laid his head right down on her bed right beside her and just looked up at her like as if to say, "Everything's gonna be alright kiddo." She lit up like sunshine through a dark grey cloud! They stayed for a little while beings that there wasn't that many other people on the pediatric ward. His (Magnum) owner gave my daughter a card with Magnum's picture and name on it. We have it put up now, but she had me hang it on her bathroom door for the rest of the time we were there. She needed that little lift, or boost you could call it that Magnum delivered to her on that day! She still talks about him to this day. She'll tell people about her visit from him and his owner when she was in the hospital. And that was approx. a year ago! I want to thank you and your volunteers that you have (both 2 & 4 legged), for what you do! Keep up the good work!!

Tonya (Mom) & Jaycee (my daughter)

Andrew & Cabby

Andrew, Cabby, and I went on our first visit to Charlestown yesterday. It all went very well and it was very touching. One 99 year old lady who had not responded to any staff stimulus smiled broadly when we put her hand on Cabby. She took my hand and pulled me towards her as if to thank us without speaking. The Charlestown staff were very excited since that was the first time she smiled. We will make a point to see her when we visit next.

Diane & Markus
(Notice the "heart" on his side )

Today was our first visit to Best Care and Senior Connections. It went very well. Already I have a nice story to share - as I was leaving Senior Connections, Markus and I were passing one of the clients. She reached out her hand to pet the dog, so of course, we stopped. The director, Jane, was amazed. She said; "Oh my goodness, that's the most we've seen her do in months!" Can you believe that?! This is exactly what makes Pets on Wheels such a wonderful concept!

Rosie & Gwen

Heather & Indigo

Indigo and I enjoyed our visit to Hannah More School on Monday. The old building houses the Senior Center and the School in the new building is directly behind it. The Social Worker met us and introduced us to various staff as we walked to an area where the boys and girl came outside. We decided since it was such a beautiful day, we'd stay outside. The teenagers were terrific, asking questions, petting Indigo and telling me about their pets. I have no experience with Autistic or emotionally disabled children, but I would never have known there was anything different with these kids.

They wanted to take us for a walk, so several of the Staff came along and our entourage checked out the athletic area and some of the grounds. They wanted us to stay for lunch and to see their classrooms, but I knew our time frame ended at 9:30am.

Heather & Indigo (2nd story)

I know Pets on Wheels works and here is my first hand experience. Indigo and I go to The Villa and Blakehurst's Health Facility. There's one lady there who I've known through the years but she wouldn't remember me. I recognized her right away but when we stood in front of her, on our first day, she just sat there mumbling quietly. On our 7th visit she looked at Indigo sitting in front of her and reached out her hand to pat her head. It was a real thrill. She also quietly asked me how much she ate. I was so stunned. When I told the staff they couldn't believe it. Today was our 8th visit. I saw Marion twice and when I mentioned I'd seen her earlier in the Art Room she corrected me, saying she was in the Activities Room, which was quite true. I just had the wrong name. I thought that was fantastic that she knew the dfference. And then she started telling me about her son and his Service Shepherds. Now I'm not sure about that but the point was she was talk ing in a normal voice, not mumbling to herself, and her face lit up and she was animated. I couldn't believe it.

At both facilities Indigo is well received. They always ask how much she weighs and how much she eats. I think she's really getting into the swing of things. She has a fan club at each facility. The nuns are always so appreciative of her visits and two of them have boxes of doggie treats for her. She does quite well.

Rosie & Crook

Just a quick update on our visits to the sick kids in the hospital... the staff knew that it was Crook's birthday last week and really, really wanted to have a celebration for Crook as well as something special for the kids. We walked in and there was a sign saying Happy Birthday, Crook, and there were streamers and crepe paper around the trees. They brought out tables for the kids and had craft materials to decorate foam picture frames in shapes like a dog house, a bone, a cat (equal opportunity). They also provided goodie bags for the kids and a present for Crook. In addition, they printed a picture of Crook on sticker paper so the kids could wear his picture. They always ask the kids if they want a picture taken with the dog, which most of them do, and then they made frames and decorated them with bones and other doggie things. It was fun, and the parents really enjoyed the break in hospital routine and some even brought out their infants for pictures. 

Some of the kids took Crook for a walk around the forest (the play area with a sliding board and trees). This is very beneficial because many kids don't want to get out of bed, but they will get up and moving if they can walk the dog (even dragging along their IV poles). They also get very excited when they tell him to "sit" and he does! Then we showed off his "high five" and and a couple things we are working on, which aren't perfect yet, but they like seeing him doing stuff. I know they appreciate us and that makes me feel good about what we are doing. 

Crook has just gotten a new little sister, so she will eventually be helping out when she is older.