I'm never quite sure if *Herman is talking to me or Cujo when we see him at the Retirement home I visit on Monday Mornings. He greets us both with a big hug and smile but after that, his business with me is pretty much over as he fully turns his attention to The Coo-bean (at times, you'll read some nicknames given to my furry employees by myself or who we visit - not to be alarmed!). Cujo has his moments with other dogs. Sometimes he is enamored, some indifferent and some, believe it or not with a name like Cujo, he dislikes some dogs. People he enjoys greatly though! He can be wary on a busy street but when he is in work mode, all of that seems to change. Tail wagging, tongue hanging out, and say the word "Treaty!" and all bets are off - get ready for a chihuahua jumping at your bedside or begging for a morsel. Begging is one of the favourite tricks at this particular home, and is probably why this particular chi is getting a particular bit of a belly! The payoff is worth it and I find it completely endearing when one of the retirees saves a bit of toast from Monday morning breakfast because they know we're coming. Buttered of course. after visiting with the people on Herman's floor, we retire to Herman's apartment where he now keeps milkbones in a cookie jar on the counter. Herman has never owned a dog of his own, however has always loved them and has fallen in love with mine.
I can't blame him.
We visit Herman to help with his fine motor skills; Arthritis has left him with hands that are frail, hands that used to cook and own a diner in Bloor West village, hands that used to hold his wife when they danced. Now, he is barely able to hold a utensil to eat, to flip the pages of the TV guide to see whats on the tube. Cujo and I visit and after fun and games, Herman brushes little C, holding the rubber handle with care and being careful not to push too hard. Although his hand is shaky, Cujo doesn't seem to mind as he licks the air and looks back at Herman with glassy eyes of adoration to please, please continue brushing! Herman tells me doing this activity along with visiting Cujo allows him to take a lot of the focus off of his ailment and focuses on the task at hand - taking care of a pet. Herman also helps me by unscrewing Cujo's water carrier as well as holding his leash while we are in the facility; although these tasks are difficult for Herman, his family tells me he relays stories to them about Cujo and doesn't seem to focus on his disease as much anymore since our visits began.
When we leave, Cujo always makes sure to kiss Herman's face excitedly, as if to say "I'll be back! I'll be back!" and we are walked to the front door of the facility. Looking back and waving to everyone looking at us from their windows is by far one of the greatest feelings I've ever had in my life. I'm so glad I finally get to share it. :)
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