[Faith-talk] article

[Linda Mentink]

Timothy, thanks for sharing this. I have read a couple books from the 
BARD site on service and therapy animals. Good stuff!

Blessings,

Linda

At 06:29 PM 9/19/2011, you wrote:
>THE ADVENTURES OF ANSEL,
>
>
>
> From going on emergencies in the hospital, to routine visits, I 
> help Timothy make his way guiding him around twelve floors.  My 
> name is ansel, and I would like to introduce my master. Timothy is 
> a hospital Chaplain who is blind, and   I am his Chaplain's 
> assistant.  I am his guide dog, but I am really under paid, because 
> I do much more then that. In fact, I do most of the work.
>
>
>
>While Timothy can't see, he doesn't like to dwell on that fact. But 
>rather tries to find ways both figuratively and literally around 
>obstacles in his path.
>
>
>
>Timothy and I are with in walking distance of the hospital, so we 
>can get to it any time in a matter of minutes. I have learned 
>however that when he gets a sudden call and has to get to the 
>hospital real early, I am not a morning person, but despite this I 
>try and do my best.
>
>
>
>   All Timothy has to do is say find the heart when we get off the 
> elevator, and I will guide him from the medical center to the heart 
> hospital. But when I think about it, my favorite place to go is the 
> cafeteria. While I can't eat there, the food smells really good, 
> and sometimes Timothy will give me the ice from his cup.
>
>
>
>More than just trying to be a great guide though, I am also a 
>therapy dog, and as such, wear my badge from the hospital proudly.
>
>
>
>I love to cheer up patients, helping them see the brighter side of 
>life, using my own brand of psychology. For one example, I remember 
>when there had been a death, and Timothy says that I brought more 
>comfort to the patients than he ever could have. I went to each 
>person, wagging my tail, and offering cheer.
>
>
>
>Some times though, Timothy uses his cane on the floor, and I stay at 
>the nurse's station. Here Timothy says that I really shine as a 
>public relations guru. For when my harness is off, my job is to 
>encourage the hospital staff.
>
>
>
>  I think that the funniest thing happened one day though, when I 
> got too excited in ICU, I didn't know that it wasn't a place to 
> play, and used my break as a stress reliever. Running up and down 
> the halls, it took several of the staff to calm me down. But, after 
> scolding me, Timothy said that he could over lookit this time, 
> because I act as his PR Person as I said above.  I guess so, I 
> thought, what's one mistake. I have to admit, that in the role of 
> a  public relations person, I have introduced him to many important 
> people. I am sure, that with out me he would not have met them.
>
>
>
>While I want to remain modest, you have probably figured out by now, 
>that I am indispensable, and while my work makes for a long day, I 
>do have time to sleep in meetings. Right now though, not having 
>gotten that raise, I am taking a well deserved leave of absence. As 
>for you Timothy, "what do you do I ask?" Then he usually answers, as 
>he shrugs sarcasticly,  "I guess I just tag along."
>
>
>
>
>
>''A true friend is someone who reaches out for your hand and touches 
>your Heart.' "with God ALL Things Are Possible (Matthew 19:26). And 
>remember that God can see better than any of us.
>Please go to www.mynvm.org.
>Living to exalt Him more each day,
>Pastor Timothy,
>_______________________________________________
>Faith-talk mailing list
>Faith-talk at nfbnet.org
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/faith-talk_nfbnet.org
>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
>for Faith-talk:
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/faith-talk_nfbnet.org/mentink%40frontiernet.net