Mostly Boris and Then Some

Boris in his new raincoat getting
ready for a walk with his Daddy.

Henry and me at Mercy Folsom
Hospital getting ready to visit
patients on Christmas Day 2004.
Check out his big red holiday bow.

Within seconds of meeting Boris (we mostly just call him BoBo), the 4-year old spectacular Sammie we rescued from San Francisco Samoyed Rescue in May 2011, we knew he would make an exceptional therapy dog. Having been involved in animal assisted therapy with our previous Samoyed, Henry (see picture on the right), we know the qualities necessary for a dog to provide that special kind of canine comfort to people desperately in need of it - those in the hospital, in nursing homes, in hospice, in rehabilitation centers. The most important qualities include being well-mannered, enjoying human contact and basic obedience skills. But in our opinion, there are others that increase the likelihood of a pooch being successful in this role. These include a strong people-orientation, that uncanny canine insight, calmness and trust. Boris has it all and a lot more, as did our beloved Henry, who we lost in 2005.

We gave Boris ample time to settle into our home before deciding to pursue registration with Therapy Dogs Inc. (www.therapydogs.com). While there is no formal training required, there is a process of assessment, which includes evaluation by a TDI tester and three observed facility visits.

Boris had his first assessment on November 5th at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento; as we expected, he passed with flying colors! We have two other visits scheduled by the end of November. Upon successful completion, Boris will be a registered therapy dog and able to make pet visitations to any facility that would like him to share that special Sammie joy and love with patients and/or clients.

Boris had some practice at pet therapy even before the formal assessment with TDI began. DH experienced an unexpected health crisis in August which resulted in a medical leave of absence from work. During this time, whenever DH would take a nap, Boris would climb up on the bed and watch him until he was sure his Dad was asleep. Then - and only then - would Boris go to sleep, not leaving his Dad's side until nap time was over. 

Not every Samoyed may be suited for animal assisted therapy, but our previous experience with Henry and now Boris has demonstrated that the core characteristics of this wonderful breed make them strong pet therapy candidates.

Christmas Quilt 2011

On the quilting front, here is my Thimbleberries "Holiday Stars" quilt. This top took forever to complete, but I am very pleased with the way it turned out. One question however: Why do they call a gathering of Thimbleberries quilters "a club"? Given the number of tiny pieces of fabric in one of these tops, it should be called a support group! 

Here is a picture of my completed horse-theme jacket. This is the first piece of clothing I have made since I was in Home Ec in high school. What a challenge this was! That said, after having to let out seams because it was too small (despite selecting what I thought was the right pattern size), it's a cute top that will be great for winter rides, whether in the arena or on the trail. 


Don't think making clothes is my "thing" but I'm happy with the outcome of this sewing adventure, regardless of the problems with it. Lord forbid anyone who really knows how to sew looks at the inside of this jacket. What a mess! 


Onward into the holiday season with great gratitude.