Tribute to Hansel by Judy Lynch

Tribute to Hansel

by Judy Lynch

Tribute to Hansel 8 /28 /89 -4 /7 /03 I adopted Hansel in 1991 at 1 1/2 years old from a dear lady. He was well cared for, but not very socialized. He did not grow up with children, and I did not have any, but he did very well with kids. My vet always said he was the calmest and quietest Miniature Schnauzer he ever knew! I had heard about visiting dogs and I thought that he would make a good one. When I finally made the time, we were certified with Delta as a Pet Partner team in 1996 and visited for 7 years. I was working as a nurse at University Hospital at the time. We became the first official team to visit pediatrics there. We went weekly from 1996-2000. He performed many tricks as speak, whisper, smile, sit, lay down, rollover, dance, backup, catch, give me five (shake), and give hugs. Hansel had ticklish toes and the kids liked to see him kick like a rabbit! He was also known for his many costumes. We won a number of contests for his cute photos, costumes, and tricks. We even went trick-or-treating with the patients in the hospital and in the neighborhood! During Fiesta, when people would bend over to pet him, I would sprinkle them with confetti! The kids thought it was especially funny when I got the doctors and adults. Hansel had a very gentle spirit and loving nature. He loved to lay in the bed with the kids. I could lay him in just about any position! He was very still, which is important with patients' injuries or surgeries. One nurse came in a room and didn't realize he was real until she saw his eyes move! Sometimes he would ease their pain or make them smile, maybe for the first time since being hospitalized. We also brought comic relief to the families. He could motivate post-op kids to walk with him in the hallway. We worked with dog bite kids, and hopefully showed them not to be afraid of all dogs. When University pediatrics had it's grand opening to a new floor, they made wall paintings with children's handprints. Hansel got his pawprint on one too! We celebrated his 10th birthday with a party at the hospital. Then we had a party at home with friends and their dogs! We had the opportunity to mentor a number of new teams. Later we started visiting at Methodist Children's Hospital in PICU and on the pediatric floors from 2000 to 2003. We witnessed many magic moments, like watching a child's heartrate come down on the monitor while he lay with them, when medication and other measures couldn't calm them. Once we helped a doctor do his neuro exam, by helping motivate the child to give Hansel commands and pet him. Sometimes we'd have to remind the staff, we were here to see the patients! We also spent 6 months at St Luke's Behavioral Center and the Alzheimer Unit at Homewood. We participated in a few Delta presentations at schools. At Churchill HS, he was passed around the room, being held like a baby! Besides Delta, Hansel was a very public dog. I took him every where I could-the park, outdoor fairs like Starving Artists Show and King William's Fair, around the neighborhood, and even to work a few times! He was so well behaved, he was welcomed at (non food) businesses like my local bird feed store, hardware stores, and pet store. Hansel was the "mascot" at the children's Asthma camp for 2 years. He spent 2 weeks as camp dog where I worked as a nurse in the infirmary at Travis Lake. He had a huge fan club! He liked people, watching the back yard, chasing squirrels, going for walks, riding in the car, going out in the front yard to get the mail, following me around the house, "watch" TV with me on my lap, and sleeping with me. He brought me much joy and companionship. He asked for so little, but gave so much. He was such a special blessing to me. He died at 13 1/2 years old and will be greatly missed, but I hope to see him again one day. I celebrate his life in remembering the good times. Hansel touched so many lives and he will continue to be alive in the hearts and minds of all that knew him!

Comments would be appreciated by the author, Judy Lync