MN Therapy Animals
| Baloo Rydel |
Baloo and I started our adventure into the animal therapy world in
Washington County at Safety Town Camp. It was our task to teach young
children about pet safety and dealing with unknown animals during their
route to school. The kids enjoyed seeing Baloo every year and the staff
made it known Baloo was also the highlight of their day. More recently our
visits expanded to the White Pine Senior Housing in Cottage Grove. This
was a perfect fit for Baloo. He was the typical "old style" mellow golden that
would bring you your slippers and wait for the next command. Both the
seniors and staff looked forward to the visits we made with Jenny Langness
and Karlos.
Washington County at Safety Town Camp. It was our task to teach young
children about pet safety and dealing with unknown animals during their
route to school. The kids enjoyed seeing Baloo every year and the staff
made it known Baloo was also the highlight of their day. More recently our
visits expanded to the White Pine Senior Housing in Cottage Grove. This
was a perfect fit for Baloo. He was the typical "old style" mellow golden that
would bring you your slippers and wait for the next command. Both the
seniors and staff looked forward to the visits we made with Jenny Langness
and Karlos.
His most important job however, was closer to home, helping me through a divorce, and then moving back home
with me to help take care of my mother with dementia. He brought many smiles and laughs to my family during this
difficult time. He was always there to greet and welcome visitors or hospice staff with a "toy in mouth", his most
prized possession.
Baloo accompanied me to work at Cottage Grove Animal Hospital and took up residence in his own cubicle of
sorts, ready to provide his own treatment to staff when difficult times arose. I am very glad I got to share this
wonderful, special dog with many people as he truly touched many hearts. He was MY therapy and he helped
me get through difficult times. I will forever miss my best friend. I'm sure my good boy is running errands for God
in heaven.
Joanne Rydel
with me to help take care of my mother with dementia. He brought many smiles and laughs to my family during this
difficult time. He was always there to greet and welcome visitors or hospice staff with a "toy in mouth", his most
prized possession.
Baloo accompanied me to work at Cottage Grove Animal Hospital and took up residence in his own cubicle of
sorts, ready to provide his own treatment to staff when difficult times arose. I am very glad I got to share this
wonderful, special dog with many people as he truly touched many hearts. He was MY therapy and he helped
me get through difficult times. I will forever miss my best friend. I'm sure my good boy is running errands for God
in heaven.
Joanne Rydel
