Sophie is a Therapy Dog that works in
assisted living homes. She had severe arthritis and had a hip
replacement. Seven months after surgery, her owner wrote the following:
Dear Doctors,I have been meaning to send you this
note / e mail ever since Sophie got her new hip at Gulf Coast, but I'm
just now getting the chance. First, let me thank you and the entire
staff that I came in contact with there at Gulf Coast. I am sending you
pictures for you to share about my amazing dog - Sophie. As I mentioned
early on during our first meeting, Sophie goes to work with me 5 days a
week. The popularity of "pet therapy" is on the rise, however, I have
yet to see or read an article about an animal that directly affects
their patients/residents for an entire 8-10 hour day. You will notice
in the series of pictures that Sophie is that special animal.
The day I noticed her severe pain with
the hip dysplasia it nearly broke my heart. Yes, Sophie is my favorite
dog of all time but she also serves the purpose or working with older
adults on a daily basis. You see Sophie not only distracts a senior
citizen from the woes of aging, but she also often takes on the roll of
providing good memories of their favorite pet of their past.
After meeting with you and your staff
and realizing the cost involved, I briefly hesitated about having the
hip surgery solely based on finances. However, after hearing several
older adults at the adult day center talk of passing around a can for
collections for Sophie's new hip, it became an easy decision.
With the new hip replacement, Sophie REALLY began to
become one with the older adults at our center. Not only did she
appreciate a good power nap, but she now could relate to the aches and
pains of having a bad hip. Since the surgery Sophie has fully recovered
and is more like her old self at work. From the pictures you'll notice
that she still gets to enjoy the walks, naps, and love that she gets on
a regular basis by going to work.
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Sophie’s arthritic hips |
Sophie
with the hip replacement |
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| Sophie
with a new hip |
Taking
it easy after surgery |
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| Tell
me about your operation |
Ready
for a stroll |
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| Sophie
at the Alzheimer’s Walk |
Ready
for another a stroll |
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| Sophie
and Santa |
Power
Nap |
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| On the
couch with guy friends |
Man’s
best friend |
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