Good afternoon! Do you like the photo of my bestie, Blondie? She went on a harbour cruise! 

I've just been out for lunch with Mama and Pa. We sat at an outdoor table at our special café. Let me clarify. They had lunch and sat at the table. I had a little square of cheese and a small dog treat, and I sat under the table! Today is mild, and Mama is just wearing a tee-shirt and jeans! This weather is nice; we can walk at any time of the day without being either too hot or too cold. But wintry weather will return tomorrow!

I made some new friends (of course!) while we were there – you know how I just walk up to people and say hello! There was a family with children who enjoyed patting me, and a lady who gave me a back massage.

Yesterday I met a dog called Max, like me in size and colouring, but his fur is short whereas mine is longer and silky. Max is new to our neighbourhood. He squeezed through a gap in his fence to meet me on the footpath, which he probably shouldn’t have done!

I must tell you that Mama’s skills are increasing. She can now manage to give me a tummy rub while simultaneously putting my harness on – even while my four legs are all waving in the air! I’ve been teaching her that for quite a while. Before she used to make me sit and be still. Now she’s either given up on that – or gone to the trouble of learning the new game.

In case you remember the story about the lonely dogs, Bear and Ada, who live in the house behind ours, I will give you a quick update. Mama still stands on her box and talks to them quite a lot. She doesn't care if people think she’s crazy.

I have worked out a system with the dogs. It’s a bit of a conspiracy; I don’t think Mama has worked it out yet. I tell Mama that I don’t like and can’t eat the treats she has bought for me (they might be a little hard for my small teeth to chew on) so she gives them to Bear and Ada. Bear catches them in mid-air when she drops them over the fence, but Ada is not so skilful. They are always happy to see Mama, of course. When they want to see her, they bang the fence until she comes over.

My work as a Therapy Dog is going well. However, on my second day at the hospital I did something silly – and I could have lost my job over it!

We’re always early because once I see Mama’s uniform on Wednesdays, I know it is the “special day” and I harass her by running to and from the garage door until she puts my ID bandana and photo ID pass on me and puts me into my doggie box-seat in the car!

We were waiting for the others at the hospital entry door. I turned around – and nearly jumped out of my skin. Right behind me was a dog I hadn’t met before – a huge greyhound. His face was nearly as big as my whole body!

Of course, I got a big fright, so I jumped at him and gave a small bark (well, okay, a growl) which was meant to say, “Don’t creep up behind me and frighten me like that!” However, the Therapy Dog Supervisor saw me, and said to Mama, that if she didn’t know me better, my action would be “A BIG FAIL”!

So, we had to have a proper introduction, and some on-the-spot training. Short leads, approach each other for three seconds, step back, and repeat several times. He told me his name was Gary, and indicated he was friendly. It was his first visit to the hospital.

Next, we had to walk up the footpath and back, "properly", with me behind Gary, and then with Gary behind me. I had to remember to keep my focus on Mama, not worry about Gary. After that we had to walk beside each other. We were both on our very best behaviour. I also had to get into my dog-pram and walk beside him. Gary is too big for a pram. After a few minutes, we were great friends, and able to work together. Later the supervisor apologised to Mama because she had forgotten that I had never met Gary. All good. I kept my job.

At the hospital, I must be in a dog-pram to make sure the staff can see me, and don’t tread on me or fall over me! Initially I didn’t like it when Mama made me practise, and I jumped out, but now I am used to it!

We use the hospital elevators – quite weird at first. They are like tiny rooms, and are very quiet, except for the dings which are followed by the doors opening. There is a sort of swish as we go up or down. I had never been in an elevator before; I am learning lots of new things.

When we visit the patients having chemotherapy treatment, we ask if anyone wants some doggie love. Most people do. My role is to lie on their knees, relax, and be patted for twenty minutes or more for each person. Gary has to sit perfectly still beside them. Patients can reach him easily because he’s so big.

I visit the hospital fortnightly and many of the patients also come every two weeks, so I am getting to know them. I indicated to Catherine on Wednesday that she needed to raise the footrests of her recliner chair (like the first time I met her) so I could be comfortable lying on her legs. Otherwise, it felt like I was at the top of a slippery slide. I think she will remember next time and get ready for me. She says I am her favourite!

Mama remembers the patients’ stories, so they catch up on news while I offer my love and comfort. It helps the time pass more quickly during their treatments, and they have something nice to talk about later with their family and friends.

Today they will doubtless mention Lady Dee (one of the "princesses")! Today was her twelfth birthday and she wore a small very sparkly human dress, with rainbow colours, and lots of net petticoats. She also had a little birthday cap. Hmm. Okay, she did look very pretty! She was going to have a birthday pup-cake (made with chicken!) when she got home. Unlike most of my Therapy Dog friends, I don't wear clothes. Not even a coat in winter. Should I ask Mama for clothes?

We have a break half-way through the morning, and that is the time for treats. On Wednesday, Mama forgot to spell the word, and as soon as she mentioned that she had brought the T-R-E-A-T-S, there were three of us sitting with our paws on her knees before she even had time to get them out! Do humans really think we can’t understand plain English?

Afterwards we go to a café to have a debrief with those who’ve spent the morning at the Aged Care place. There may be up to seven of us dogs all lying together (asleep, because we are worn out) under the big table while the humans have coffee. My favourite is Blondie (in the photo) who must weigh at least 40 kilograms (about 88 lbs). She has a lovely gentle personality. The supervisor says she’s too big to do hospital visits and wouldn’t manage all the walking (that’s not very nice, is it?) so Blondie does Aged Care homes.

When Mama puts water in my bowl for me, I have a few sips, and then Blondie slurps down the rest with her huge tongue, only about three or four licks! My other special friend is a little miniature Fox Terrier, called Mini. She used to do hospital visits with us, but she can’t continue because her Mama gets too upset hearing the stories of the sick people, so Mini does Aged Care as well.

 I nearly forgot to tell you something special. On Wednesday I had to pose for the supervisor to take my photo (again)! She takes photos each week while I "work", and my photo is on the Therapy Dog site quite regularly. Now she is getting some business cards printed for me! (I presume Mama will give them to people who are interested in having visits from us Therapy Dogs!) I am so GLAD I didn’t lose my job! Even Mama has never had business cards! Of course, she was only a teacher.

I hope you enjoyed my pupdate, even though I only have dog news. Sending a little lick to each of you, and special greetings to my friend Sam. Sam, I hope you are keeping as well as possible. Please look after yourself.

Bark soon, your friend,

Sunny.