

	Featured Story		Dog of the Day

Story Time with Sadie and Her Sisters

Please Note: The dog in the accompanying photograph is the subject of the story, but the person pictured is probably not the patient in the story.

It's Saturday afternoon and Sadie is en route to one of her favorite places to visit …
the retirement home for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

We arrive in time to join a circle of "young at heart" women in the gathering room, who begin to share stories of the dogs they've owned when growing up. One Sister continues to "nudge" us to take her to an animal shelter so she can get a dog and sneak it into her room. We laugh and remind her that she gets to enjoy lots of dogs during the Love On 4 Paws visits. Next, they share memories of the students they've taught and the schools they were a part of throughout the West. Sadie works on her listening skills and sits patiently, enjoying all the attention.

Temptation often begins when one of the Sisters enters the room with her collection of beanie babies attached to her walker. Along with food, this is tough to ignore for a dog like Sadie, who always wants to play. But the Sister knows that with a handful of dog treats and lots of pets, she can divert Sadie's attention away from the stuffed toys.

Sometimes the Sisters decide to turn on the TV, especially if Notre Dame is playing football that day. Sadie is still the top dog, even while they watch for a touchdown, and their attention is split between a dog and college sports.

Room visits are also special times for Sadie, since some Sisters prefer to stay close to their beds. Sadie doesn't mind, especially when invited to jump on the bed to take a short nap and snuggle. There is a sign posted on the door to each room, noting something special about the Sister who lives there, including her favorite food, which Sadie takes particular note of. (She's a Golden Retriever, remember.) Chocolate cake, ice cream, and even lite beer are a few of the goodies listed, and Sadie doesn't care, as long as everyone remembers to give her some treats.

The staff enjoys the dogs as well, and at the nurse's station Sadie often finds one of the Sisters caring for her special baby doll. As she rocks the doll in her lap, Sadie rests her head beside the doll and enjoys the rocking motion as well.

Before you know it, our visit comes to an end, and Sadie naps all the way home. Story time with the Sisters is her favorite way to spend a Saturday afternoon.