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This Poem Is For Charlie
| Open Poetry #19 |
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This Poem Is For Charlie |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada 
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Charlie is a dog I bought for Evergreen House in February 2001, when my neighbour entered a long-term care facility. Charlie is a black lab, 6 years old, that was abandoned when the owners moved, that I got at our local S.P.C.A. Now he lives with those that will see the rest of their days out in this long-term care facility and they all love it, including Charlie! However, Rambo, the cat was no too happy about the new addition to the facility. I don’t have a scanner anymore but he was in the paper this week so if I can get it scanned I will put into announcements so you can see him. This is another dog in the picture by the name of Kacy. ~* This poem is For Charlie *~ We often sit down and talk of Charlie, who sleeps where he wants, and wanders the wards. He gets so much love from everyone there, and is a bit pudgy from all those giving rewards. One old-timer sat like he was talking to his friend, Charlie rested on his lap, as they discussed other things. It seems everyone agreed that this dog often would lend, love and companionship when the loneliness stings. They all started talking at once about Charlie, and they felt somehow he really could tell. It seems they think the dog just understands when someone in the ward is not feeling well. Said one dear lady, “He won’t come when called, he stays at the foot of the bed for as long as it takes. Everyone has to go and visit him there, and he won’t leave until that resident wakes.” One old gent recalled a time when he felt blue, that Charlie actually looked like he could sympathize. They found Charlie’s presence healing, as so many words were written in his eyes. I’ve never been sorry I bought Charlie, and rescued him from our local pound, Oh sure he was my gift to them with love, but look at all the love old Charlie found! Note: Scientist and child psychiatrist Boris Levinson coined the phrase “pet therapy” in 1964. Now science and health-care professionals have since put his theory into practice in a wide variety of settings. Patients that are severely depressed or in long-term care facilities have shown in test after test that pet companionship improves morale and communication, bolstering self-esteem and increasing their quality of life. If you have a pet, leash it, and take it over to any long-term care facility and just walk about with it, and watch the smiles but check with the facility first to see it is allowed like it is here. Thank you. Just look at these smiles will you: http://www.caaainc.org/Content/SocialPetTherapyPictures.htm The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives. ~* Albert Einstein *~ [This message has been edited by Mysteria (03-10-2002 09:05 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2002 Mysteria 1997 - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Absolutely! and I hope you read this one to the residents [if it hasn't been read already] because you will definitely see the smiles then! There is no better therapy then a loving animal, and a human hug... |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Nope did it for Tuesday, as the pictures were in the paper today Karilea! Yeah! Seems they think he is as special as we do. Oh sorry, thank you too  The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives. |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
LOL. How did you get my picture? Seriously, this is great. Animals can be the best healers and the most loyal friends. And aren't I gorgeous? Does Charlie look this good? |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Kacy you are too much! No Charlie has silver wiskers growing around his mouth and is just an ordinary old loveable lab, not this beautiful dog. LOL, really the dog's name is Kacy - got this one off the internet. Too funny! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
I am a firm believer in the therapeutic value of animals and people. You did a wonderful thing, Sharon, and it is the type of situation where no one loses...especially Charlie! This is a wonderful thing..... |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (BIG HUGGGSSSSSSS) Awwwwwww, this is sooooooo beautifully sensitive, sweet friend, I too believe with all my heart animals are man's best friend and puppies and kittens and so many other animals can always befriend those who are depressed or need some love! (kiss on cheek) Your words are always so loving and compassionate, sweet friend, God Bless You, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Sharon, thank you for sharing!    May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Pet therapy is a wonderful thing.. as is this poem.. Imagine how many problems Charlie has solved for these folks...  |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Hey, can I put that picture of Kacy where midnitesun's photo should go? LOL. She is a beauty, and Charlie sounds handsome, grey whiskers and all. |
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Victoria
since 2000-08-12
Posts 5869 |
a wonderful idea..and a beautiful collie too..very thoughtful of you Sharon..im sure he is loved alot..enjoyed your words...hugss ~Victoria |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Well I see we all agree that our animal friends provide lots of love, and thank you for reading this, I appreciate it. |
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SEA
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
I have two black labs, one that was given and one we got from Lab rescue....they are the most amazing dogs ever.....something about that breed.... I don't think I could have any kind of dog but a Black Lab I enjoyed this very much!!! |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I enjoyed this very much, Mysteria... and I bet Charlie's giving a great big doggie grin to be honored with such a tribute. *S* |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Sharon, I agree with Mike, You did a wonderful thing. Bless you sweet lady.  |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Sea ~ I used to have a blonde lab, Brandy, who was "the" most lovable, tolerant dog and I think a piece of me went with her when she had to go down. Thanks sweetie. Suthern ~ He deserves honor he is a sweetie to them all, wish everyone could see through his eyes and be just like him. Sy ~ I wasn't the only one there where also 3 cats given homes, one for each floor, but at least we have started a tradition there, and will keep at least 4 animals in a safe place to grow old. Thank you all! |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
It's so amazing how pets can make such an impact on our lives. My fourfooted friend is a golden retriever called serg who thinks he owns the place here...smiles, and perhaps he does. Certainly looking forward to meeting you too in April...can hardly wait |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Ruth I forgot to mention Charlie only has three legs as his right front one had to be amputated due to cancer two years ago, but it doesn't seem to stop him from getting around, or getting the love he needs. Thank you for reading this one. |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
My apology to Kacy the dog, and I finally got the picture of the real Charlie - here he is  and here is a small part of the article that was in the paper about him. Dave looks after Charlie and takes care of feeding him and keeping him overnight at home, etc.(taken from the local newspaper) "Dave Bunderla describes Charlie as a purebred mutt that was donated a couple of years ago to a local long term care facility. Charlie, now nine, had his right front leg amputated due to cancer. Charlie and Bunderla are for now permanent fixtures to the residents of Evergreen House, an extended-care facility adjacent to Lions Gate Hospital. There, pet therapy has been in action for more than 5 years. Other four-legged visitors include dogs and the odd llama, says activity worker Pam Johns. "...If you could see what I see when the dog comes into the room and the faces light up, you know right there and then that there's a connection," says Johns. "There is the sensory component that benefits the resident - the calming effect of the dog's presence, then there's the touching and reaching out, the smiles. It seems to help them cope a little bit better when an animal comes in, and offers some distraction." The residents look forward to seeing Charlie and the other animals that visit. Some develop strong relationships with resident dogs, those animals that visit day after day and year after year. "We have a lady here who is quite young (early 50s) and bed-ridden 24 hours a day. The dog comes in and jumps on the bed and they have a great one-to-one visit," says Johns. As Charlie and Bunderla get set for their visits at Evergreen, he is handed a list with the names of a half-dozen residents to visit. But Charlie's visits don't end there, while passing through Evergreen's multi-purpose room, Charlie's presence draws residents in close. They circle him in their wheelchairs, calling out Charlie's name and cooing "Hello, boy" and "He's a darling." An elderly resident wearing a leopard-print sweater and pearls asks Bunderla, "Is the attention too much for him?" "He loves it," says Bunderla, observing Charlie and his captive audience. Anyone wishing to donate to the purchase of animals for facilities is urged to contact the St. John's Ambulance or the local S.P.C.A. .....", It was a whole page about the benefit of animal therapy so the residents were thrilled "their" Charlie got his picture taken. |
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