Guest Post: Dog Days with Michael

Every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. you are sure to meet up with one of 5 therapy dog teams from Corporate Canine Therapy (CCT) who walk the Perley halls. The dogs are there to visit with Michael, a two-year tenant at the Perley. 

When I show up with my therapy dog Luna, Michael is always there to greet us with a great big smile and is quick to share how happy he is that we are there for a private feel good therapy dog visit. When I ask Michael how it feels when we visit his answer is, "You're the highlight of my week".  

It's such a pleasure for me to bring my dog Luna, a Blue Merle Rough Collie, for our one on one personal visits, and see first-hand how they both enjoy each others' companionship. Michael's emotions of joy and happiness shine through during his interactions with Luna, and she is ready to please during their bonding moments.

From a dog walk around the Perley complex, to outdoor walks  with an eventual sit down to watch the birds, ducks and fish at the infamous Perley Duck Pond. We end our visits with some down time where Michael enjoys snuggles with Luna and offers her a favourite belly rub, and a gentle hug. Whatever Michael wants to do, Luna is always eager to accommodate. After all, time spent with Michael is a real treat for Luna and I. 

One of my own greatest highlights is seeing Michael's face light up with so much joy as Luna offers a surprise small token lick of affection on his cheek. And for me personally, it's listening to Michael's extravagant life stories and when the two of us sing along to a favourite tune playing on his cell phone.

Luna and I have been visiting Michael for more than four months now, along with 4 other therapy dog teams from CCT: Sandi and Pasta (Yorkshire Terrier); Cheryl and Crosby, Kelly, and Windsor (Golden Retrievers); and Amanda and Ember (English Springer Spaniel). Both staff and residents at the Perley are eager to stop and say hello as Michael introduces his four legged pals and adds, "The dogs come here just to spend time with me".

These visits are made possible thanks to CCT's philosophy that our therapy dogs offer residents like Michael a joyful, pawsitive experience, with the hope to boost his morale and his overall well-being, and to brighten his day. That's what CCT is all about, as we offer a service where therapy dogs visit workplaces, organizations, and individuals in a community setting to provide emotional support and comfort.

- Written by Claire Laroche, Team Captain Ottawa, Corporate Canine Therapy 
To learn more about CCT, visit their website, here: https://www.corporatecaninetherapy.ca/ 

View pictures from Michael (and Luna's!) Birthday Pawty below. In attendance were Luna, Crosby, Pasta, and Ember (and their owners ;) ) :

Because Michael's birthday is in August, and Luna (his favourite CCT dog friend) has a birthday in September, the ladies and pups from CCT decided to throw a Birthday Pawty in honour of them both! Pictured are Claire (left), Michael, Sandi, Amanda, and Cheryl (bottom), pups Pasta (top right), Luna (left), Crosby, and Ember.