I call this sofa Fate’s Reception Area. This is where she likes to sit to wait for the residents to come down the hallway. Then she jumps off and goes to greet them. I’m training her to run slowly, not run fast and I think she’s getting this idea.

She absolutely loves people and turns into a wriggling mass of jelly when somebody comes by. I tell her to stay and wait until they get to her, and I think she’s getting that idea. I don’t want her rushing down the hallways and scaring people.

The sofa seems to be coming into focus as her office, or perhaps, her headquarters.

 

Fate is learning to settle in during my readings. We had a small crowd today, several outings underway. Fate greeted everyone, then settled in next to Wayne and was quiet for about 40 minutes, the longest I think I’ve ever seen her sit still. She is figuring out therapy work.

She is a great addition, she does get up and go visit people, her presence is very much felt.

I read the story of  Ferdinand The Bull, they loved it. For some reason, they identified with this peaceable bull.

Every week, I stop at the bookstore to get them two or three fresh and well-illustrated books. As I read, I hold the books up or walk them around the room so everyone can see the photos.

This is the formula that works. Often, at the end of the hour, most people are asleep. I have learned to take this as a good thing, it usually means they are relaxed and safe.

After my reading, Fate and I went downstairs to visit Lois, a resident of the new Memory Care Center. She was working on a jigsaw puzzle and wasn’t interested in Fate this time, we said hello and moved on. Fate was off the leash again.