Pixie, the Hospice Therapy Dog

I honestly don't know how Hospice got my name, but one day, in my email, was a note from the volunteer coordinator of hospice asking if I would be interested in joining the hospice team with Pixie.  I had to really think about this, and I did say yes.  I had to go through a background check, of course, and I had to jump through a few hoops, including some training.  Then I received my first assignment.  And we were off. 

This photo is one of Pixie as she's waiting in the car to leave for "work."  If there's enough time in the car, Pixie grabs a quick nap.  I'm not allowed to take photos in the nursing homes or of the clients with whom we work, and that is fine with me.  As soon as we walk in the doors of the facilities where we "work," Pixie hikes up her shoulders and heads down the halls.

It's amazing to see her "work."  We leave smiles in the pathways we walk.
Everyone seems to know her name.  They don't know mine!! :)  That's okay. 

We have met some wonderful women and men.  Most of them like dogs, but those who say they don't, we assure that we will not come near them.  In one mental facility, one gentleman told me he hated dogs and that if he had his 22, he'd shoot Pixie.  I assured him that we would not go near him.  Pixie didn't like him at all!

I've found that Pixie is very sensitive and picks up a lot of information as she works. 

1) I have found that if someone is actively dying, even if they are not aware of it, she will go into their rooms, but she will not go near them.
I thought that was interesting.

2) I have found that if someone doesn't like dogs, or if they prefer cats, Pixie will go to them, very reluctantly. 

3) I have found that, often, staff sometimes need Pixie's visits more than clients.

4) I have found that Pixie likes her ice cream treats when she is finished.

5) I have found that there are some very wonderful people who know they are dying but still wish to live as much as they can while they are alive.

6) I have found that Pixie is a good hospice therapy dog.

4) 

Shopping Etsy

Search word: Greyhounds

I found A Little Stubborn Greyhound shopping Etsy.
Isn't this greyhound sweet, and how many times have I see this look from Pixie? Many, many times! I found this print in ElleJW's shop on Etsy. She has so many great dog and cat prints there. You will want to have a good look in her shop!
























Every greyhound owner knows you need at least one sweater for your dog to help them get through the cool fall nights and the cold winter nights. Here's a pdf pattern so that you can make your own. This pattern comes with a pattern for a snood, too, to keep their ears and heads warm. I found this pattern in aandboriginalsdogs store on Etsy. There are some great patterns there for dogs of all sizes!








How about these great greyhound earrings? I love them! I found them in Chevre Feuille's shop on Etsy. She's got some great items in her shop, and they are not just greyhound items. Check it out!












I have to show you what I just ordered for Pixe---------------->
It's a smoking hot collar from The Hounds' Closet on Etsy. They specialize in the Martingale collar which is best suited for greyhounds. We can both play with fire! Don't you just love it!








Last, but not least, is my princess: Miss Pixie Marie. She'd love all of these items, but I know that she will especially love her new collar!

Some Things Just Need to be Shared!

This photo has quickly become the ultimate favorite of my sweet Pixie. As a former racer, she didn't learn how to play. I have been trying to teach her how to play with me and with toys. She really hasn't gotten the idea yet.


We're working on it, though. We really are.

I love you, my Sweet Little Girl.

My Girl is still the Racer!

I should have seen it coming, then I could have recorded it all on video, but I didn't. The good part is, though, that I was able to catch Pixie's second wind as she ran around the dog park. As tired as she was from our long walk, Pixie decided to run when we visited the dog park today.

The Journey Has Just Begun

Now, to explain the last two posts. The scriptural reference of "Ask and you shall receive," came because of my prayer to "Please, Lord, send me a wonderful dog." Little did I know how quickly that prayer would be answered.

Wrong turn: I knew of two greyhound rescues in Minnesota. I even talked to one of the facilitators in one. She suggested that I go online and download their application and mail the application into them. I asked if it could be filled out online and submitted that way. She told me she wasn't sure.

So, not remembering which organization it was, I Googled "MN Greyhound Rescue." I found the first greyhound rescue, and, amazing! It has an online application. I filled it out, and I hit the submit button. I was thrilled to have been able to fill it out online. Then I realized, I had taken the wrong turn. It was not the organization that I had wanted to work with. It was the wrong Greyhound rescue!

Two days later, I received a call from Kelly. She suggested that I take a look at Pixie. I fell in love immediately! I have never owned a female dog, nor have I owned one that is so small! Today, Pixie and I got to meet for the first time. Isn't she beautiful?

She's tired. We just got home from our first walk, and she's wiped out. I think it was too hot. We'll try again later. Now, we are getting to know each other. She's never been in a home without other animals. I sure hope she's happy!

Like I said, the journey has just begun!