An Impromptu Party

"Oh, Kathy! I didn't even know you were in town, and you brought your doggie to visit me too." Marvene exclaimed. Her beautiful, beaming smile and upbeat attitude welcomed us into her room at Lakepoint Nursing Home.

Prior to my mother's death, Marvene had been my mother's roommate in the nursing home. She was a great source of strength and comfort to me as my mother slowly drifted away, and has remained a very special friend.

Hoping to surprise her, I had tiptoed in unannounced with Shiloh, my miniature schnauzer. Marvene's aged eyes danced with glee as she reached out to stroke Shiloh. In her younger days of independence and good health, a pet had always warmed Marvene's heart and home.

Hoping not to cause too much commotion, Shiloh and I had ducked in the back entrance. I wanted to avoid the bustling hallways since I feared wheelchairs and such might make my dog skittish. After a lap or two around the room and sniffing everything in sight, Shiloh settled in as if she had visited umpteen times. Then an unexpected onslaught of residents began filling the room. Word had spread like wildfire – there was a pooch on the premises!

Aides accompanied folks in wheelchairs, ambulatory residents shuffled in with walkers and canes, and several oxygen machines and IV poles were rolled in to boot. Even a few staff members followed the slow-moving stampede as they wondered about the unusual ruckus in the north wing. Shiloh relished being center stage and greeted each new visitor with total delight. This rambunctious young dog was more gentle than I had ever seen. She knew instinctively that her new friends were delicate and that she must act like a lady. I wondered why she couldn't behave like that at home!

The evening progressed into an all-out impromptu party. I was thrilled to see Shiloh provide such joy at the end of another humdrum day in the lives of these frail folks. Each resident could hardly wait to get his or her hands on a "real live critter!" They were alive with smiles and giggles. Nevertheless, eyes brimmed with tears while speaking of pets they had adored in days gone by.

One tiny lady arrived and judging by the blank, distant look in her eyes, she was obviously confused. The aide at her side was attempting to explain about pet visiting, but she appeared not to grasp one word. Then she spotted Shiloh! As if by magic, this bitsy little gal was transformed before my very eyes. She instantly became alert and began reciting tales of pets she had loved in her younger days. All the while she gently stroked Shiloh, stopping her stories only long enough to plant kisses right on top of Shiloh's head.

Yes, Shiloh sensed she was "good medicine" for her new but fragile friends. Once the party ceased and the room emptied, she snuggled in my lap with her eyes fixed on the door. I knew she was thinking, "Doesn't anyone else need to see me? Hey, I can even do tricks for you!" It had been a two-way street – the oldsters were also good medicine for Shiloh, since canines are never happier than when pleasing humankind.

I gave Marvene a hug and a peck on the cheek, Shiloh gave her a wet, sloppy kiss on the tip of her nose, and we said our good-byes. Walking out, I felt a smile on my face and a spring in my step that hadn't been there earlier in the day. I began praising Shiloh for her excellent behavior, and when I glanced down – she was prancing …

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