Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Animal Assisted Therapy


Lila had a great night with virtually no coughing episodes. This morning they tried to take her off the oxygen again (they turned it off for a 1/2 hour) but she couldn't sustain the oxygen saturation numbers that they are looking for. She is on the smallest dose possible but still seems to need that help. She's also still on the IV but also breastfed 5 times already today so I am encouraged by that. Her appetite seems to be returning. She continues with breathing treatments that will help break up some of the mucous in her lungs.
I like to try to engage the people who come through and I usually ask the repiratory therapists if they have any kids of their own. Well, today that question backfired. I asked this guy Marty that question and the floodgates opened. He told me all about his wife and how she didn't tell him before they got married that her tubes were tied, how she was already married to someone else when he married her, and on and on.
We had a special visit from a lady with her dog Bailey this morning. It's called Animal Assisted Therapy and the website is www.loveon4paws.org So apparently this lady and her dog visit people in the hospital and the patients' contact with the animal helps in the healing process. Lila didn't know quite what to make of it all but Bailey enjoyed Lila. I told the lady all about Lila's Pepere and Memere who breed labs in CT. A eldery man/volunteer also came to our room today looking for kids that he could read to. Lila was a little too young for that. God bless these volunteers who are out trying to brighten people's days!

3 comments:

Gram said...

SO glad to hear that things are getting better. I love the photo with the dog! Gramp had read the one i copied yesterday and today he made a comment about that seemed to show that she is getting better. I guess he, like all of us, was quite concerned. So glad that she is eating better and hope it won't be long before you will be able to take her home. Love and prayers! Gram

Pepere and Memere said...

Hi Lori - We're so thankful that Lila is getting better. It's amazing how we can communicate with each other with technology; moment to moment. It's the same in our relationship with God, only we don't need any "new" technology - He's always on the other end, just waiting for our call!
Well, at least Lila has had an intro to therapy dogs. We have seven "Therapy Labs" just waiting for her when you come to CT to visit! Hugs and kisses to our littlest one. XOXOXO We love you all and continue to lift you in prayer.

Michelle said...

I am so glad Lila is doing better! That's so awesome that you got to meet such fun volunteers! My job in college was at Duke Hospital in the Oncology Recreation Therapy department and it consisted of doing arts and craft projects with adult cancer patients. I would also take them on walks and once a week would go to their rooms and sing with the music therapist. It was one of my favorite things I've ever done so I know the volunteers like it just as much as the patients! Miss you guys... Can't wait to see you next month!