A Dog Walks Into A Nursing Home
Reviewed By Janet Mawdesley June 24, 2014
Author Sue Halpern
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ISBN: 978-1-76011-060-4
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Release Date:
Website: http://www.allenandunwin.com
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Sue Halpern and her dog Pransky found themselves at one of those points in life where some serious life reassessment was required.
Sue was facing the ‘empty nest’ syndrome; this coupled with her husband traveling overseas more often in his work. Pransky was just plain bored and looking for ways to get into trouble. After all he is a very intelligent labradoddle, a bread noted for intelligent and activity.
Researching different ways of making their time more productive, Sue settled on re-training Pransky to become a Therapy dog, working with the elderly.
The immediate challenge was to get Pransky trained up to the strict requirements needed to be able to carry out this type of work in an area where the people are delicate and vulnerable. This almost saw Sue on her knees several times, questioning the sanity of her decision.
On testing day though, Pransky seemed to know what was required, passing his tests with flying colours, or should one say tail wagging.
His, or rather their introduction to the County Nursing Home came as something of an shock to Sue, who rapidly discovered that what she had thought about nursing homes and their residents needed rapid review; while Pansky, in true Pansky style, simply arrived and got on with what he loves to do best; be petted, visit with people, sneak the odd little snack, although that was forbidden , and simply enjoy the moment for what it was, pure joy and pleasure.
As time progressed and the months ticked along both Pransky and Sue discovered that life is not always what is expected. Some of the many people they met and sadly farewelled, taught them much about life, relationships, growing old and acceptance.
Enjoyable and touching this is a story of insight, laced with humour, a good sense of the ridiculous and random acts of kindness. It is all about acceptance and the art of remaining non-judgemental when at times it would be so easy to do the opposite.
It is also a story of one woman’s transformation and the joy and pleasure Parnsky’s visits bought to so many people facing the final chapters of their lives.