This was a busy week for Kona. First we visited a few nursing homes to spread some holiday cheer. Kona dressed as reindeer to get into the festive spirit. (Again there is all kinds of legal issues to take pictures with residents and patients so we can only post Kona:)
And yesterday we were back at the hospital doing our rounds.
Kona happily waiting for speech therapy patients for this week’s session.
Stroke and brain trauma patients often have limited speech and volume to go with that speech. Kona helps them re-build their speech skills through various exercises. One of his favorites is where he sits on the opposite side of the room from therapy participants and they have to say “Kona, come!” loud enough for him to come to them. Of course Kona can hear them whisper it but we don’t tell them that and they all call Kona as loud as they can. Kona gives each participant big wags and a snuggle for their efforts.
After Kona finished his rounds, one of the physical therapists treated Kona to a massage. He was really relaxed after and I practically had to carry him out to the car:)
Back at home Kona took nap with a friend (blue baby #1).
Oh Kona – how very festive of you! I am sure all the patients loved seeing you! Great job buddy!
Kona’s such a sweetie. I’m a little worried by the angle of his back legs in those seated poses… have you checked him for hip dysplasia?
Hi Herm,
Thanks for your concern. Kona has been tested and cleared for dysplasia. He does however have an old fracture in his right back leg (from his old life) which we think causes him to sit with character:)
so relaxed that you gotta carry him out of the car?!
oh my! we wanna try that massage too!
love the nap-with-bluebaby pix, so blissful :)
It makes me happy to hear that Kona is helping others, the way you guys helped him :)
You are such a sweet dog Kona!!!
I got a bit today!
Welkhome bakhk BTW –
If you get a chance, you might want to stop by Thursday’s post – we are trying to raise awareness for Canine Assistants and $1 is to be donated for each comment on the post!
Thanks!!!
Such a GReat way to spend a day knowing woo make such a pawesome difFURence!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
That is so awesome – you guys are the best! Nice job Kona :)
I think that massage was much deserved. They are so lucky to have such an outstanding Golden to work with!
Kona how did you get involved with therapy? How could I get our golden retriever Harlow involved, once she’s mature enough?
Hi Courtney,
Thanks for dropping by! We mainly volunteer with a local hospital which has a pet therapy program but you need to be registered for most pet therapy programs with either Delta Dogs or Therapy Dogs Inc, two US nation wide programs for therapy dog training and registration. If you go to either of their web sites you can find the information about requirements, testing and all that. A good first step you will need to do is take obedience training and get your AKC canine good citizen test before either therapy dog test. Hope this helps and all the best with Harlow, she’ll probably surprise you how good she can be:)