Hi Fellow volunteers,

This is the report of our recent visit to BHID on the 24th September  2011 Saturday.

In attendance

It was a warm afternoon and we had a great turnout today. We have for the second time at BHID, helping hands are from SGcares. 

We want to thank those who gave up their precious time that afternoon to be with us at BHID. You made a difference that day!

1. Shirley with Happy (Maltese)

2. Fiona Seow & Maria with Reegan and Quinton (Golden Retrievers) 

3. Jennifer with Rudolf (Mini Schnauzer)

4. Valerie Gan with Sable (Shetland Sheepdog)

5. Linda & Alvin Teo with Wagon (Mini Schnauzer)

6. Su Ling with Bebe (Pug)

7. Amy Low with Duby (Beagle)

8. Mei Foong & Bee Lian with BaoBao (Pekingnese) and Mei Mei (Chihuahua)

9.  Wong Hui Yuan & Michelle with Piggy (Chihuahua)

10. Angie Lim with Snow (Samoyed)

First Time Visits

We Welcome those who joined us for the first time as observers, We certainly hope to see more of you in future visits.

1. Li May

2. Melanie & Delphi

3. Judy Chow & husband Chris

Notes and highlights

As usual, we were greeted warmly by the BHID residents. They always make our volunteers feel welcomed and appreciated.

Some of these special moments are:

- Loud welcome and claps were heard as we were ushered into the multi purpose hall. Immediately, the residents picked the dogs they want to spend their next hour with.

- The loudest gasps were heard when Angie came with Snow as he was the best dressed canine in the hall with his backpack and shoes.

- Amy was so kind to bring some biscuits for the residents to enjoy.

- Huiyuan also shared some potato chips with the residents while they were enjoying the company of Piggy.

- Bebe was entertaining another group of residents with her funny antics. Su Ling made the residents laughed by playing the 'bang- play dead' game with Bebe.

- Reegan & Maria found Shumin who was overjoyed to see Reegan. Shumin who is autistic, seems to only show interest in golden retrievers, as Wagon a schnauzer and Snow a Samoyed

went over to her, and she wasn't interested. She spent most of the hour with Reegan, stroking and putting on butterfly clips on her. I think Reegan found her permanent buddy at BHID :)

- Jennifer with Rudolf were doing so well with some residents, getting them to do grooming on Rudolf. She was very patient with them showing them the ropes.

- Towards the end of the session, some of the residents were so keen to write down their names for me on my clipboard. It was a great way to get to know them.

- Overall the atmosphere in the hall was happy, lively and heartwarming. Even as it was time to leave, so many volunteers were lingering behind, unable to pull

themselves away. One resident was saying to us - see you next saturday :), which I reminded her that it's next month before we will see their smiling faces again.

It just goes to show how much our TDS visit to BHID means to them. I want to thank all the volunteers who took their precious afternoon off to share their time with us. I hope to see all of you at the next visit.

Warmest,

Fiona Seow

with Quinton & Reegan

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Visit on 23 Sep 2011 - MINDSville

Dear TDS Volunteers

They say, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder,” and indeed yesterday’s session at Mindsville was one of the sweetest after the cancellation of the August 2011 visit.

Not only were our volunteers looking forward to visiting but I believe the residents were particularly happy to see us, as evidenced by their big smiles and surge forward as a group to come play with the dogs when we entered the doors of the multi-purpose hall. 

A big thanks to our volunteers and their lovely quadrupeds who came:

• Ang Lay Hui and Hayden
• Fiona & Maria with Reegan and Quinton (Golden Retrievers)
• Frances Lim with Ollie & Pixie (Retriever x huskie) 
• Jane Mok with Santi (Corgi x Singapore special)
• Lyn Gan (Helping Hand)
• Rachelle with JJ (Golden Retriever)
• Ray Sham Karam Singh with Cadbury (Toy Poodle)
• Valerie Gan with Sable (Shetland)
• Wong Hui Yuan with Piggy (Chihuahua)
• Julie Yeow with Nana (White Swiss Shepherd)

We also welcomed two observers and hope that they will join TDS soon:

• Jael Lim with friend, Ailing
• Vennie Fong

Our visit was enhanced by the presence of Frances’ two friends, Jill and Wendy, who did lots of work taking turns to lead Pixie and Ollie for walkies with some of the residents. They later told me that they had a great time. Maybe they'll join TDS? 

Towards the end of the session, we placed a hurdle and got 2 residents to hold a large hoop in the centre of the room. The dogs then took turns to do the mini obstacle course. Two of the residents who held the hoop smiled enormously at their new-found ability to hold the hoop at just the right level so that both the small and large dogs could jump through.

Here are some of the more heartwarming moments:

• When one of the more reserved residents who started “counting” the dogs and announced excitedly that there were “three” dogs;
• When a familiar face among the residents recognized Nana and having found her, decided not to exchange her for any other dog for walkies;
• When another familiar face took both Cadbury and Hayden for a walk and proclaimed them as “her” dogs;
• AND THE BEST: When one of the residents brought Nana's toy back to me as we were packing up to leave even though I had not interacted with her at all that afternoon and the toy was at the far end of the room. Though we had not noticed, she had been observing everything.

Thank you all who came and made this a lovely afternoon! 

Warm regards

Julie Yeow

Hi everyone,

Thanks for everyone who turn up on Sunday, 18 Sept 2011. It's a warm day and the ladies, about 20 of them were having a good time with our volunteers and their dogs.

The people and canine who turn up that day were: 

1) Janice Gan and  Prince

2) Janice Ho and Zechy

3) Chin Yang, Lishan and McMug

4) Hui Ru, Stanley and Gucci

5) Hui Ting, Hui Yuan and Piggy

6) Victor, Linda and Wagon

7) Mei Foong, Beelian and Bao Bao n Mei Mei

8) Pei San and Summer

9) Vanassa (Observer)

10) Li Mei (Observer)

11) Swathi (Onserver)

What we did:

• We took 6 of the ladies down for a walk along the level one corridor something which they enjoyed. What's better than having a change in environment, rather than staying in the ward? :)
• Those who stayed behind, we let our doggies interact with them. Piggy is the hot favourite to be carried by the aunties! And some of them really likes feeding the dogs with treats. Being looked after and taken care of by the nursing staff everyday, finally they can do something for others i.e. providing the dogs with food.
• Sometimes, even just conversing with the residents help to stimulate their thinking and this is beneficial for those residents with dementia. Our volunteers also encouraged them to remember our dogs' names.
• Other than just chit chatting, some of them played with the more active dogs. E.g. throwing ball for the dogs to catch, giving the dogs treats to make them do tricks.

 
All in all, we had another wonderful time at IMH ward 66. It will not be so fruitful without the volunteers and their dogs.
 
Hope to see you all again next month!! And others who are interested, please join us too!
 

Best Regards, 

Lishan

All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.

-- Cecil Alexander 

Visit on 16 Sep 2011 - Sunshine Welfare Action Mission Home (SWAMI)

Hi Fellow volunteers 

This is the report of our recent visit to SWAMI on the 16th September 2011 Friday.

In attendance

It was a quiet, sunny friday afternoon at SWAMI. Only 3 volunteers and 4 healing paws turned up today.

We were assisted by the students from Admiralty Secondary School who went around chit chatting with the residents in the unit.

We want to thank those who gave up their precious time that afternoon to be with us at SWAMI. You made a difference that day!

1. Fiona Seow with Reegan and Quinton (Golden Retrievers), along with Maria as helping hand

2. Julie Yeow with Nana (White Swiss Shepherd)

3. Lau Mei Foong with Bao Bao (Pekingnese)

Notes and highlights

Is it my imagination or almost everytime we are at SWAMI, it's always a beautiful sunny afternoon.

I am glad to see more elderly joining us this afternoon. Our visit was indeed meaningful; special moments and observations include:

- It was Bao Bao and Mei Foong's first visit to SWAMI and they got into the groove of it. Bao Bao was popular as he is the smallest dog that day. The residents loved carrying him and stroking him.

- Quinton was doing his usual tricks, entertaining the bunch of older ladies, who were happily laughing at his antics.

- Julie played hide and seek with Nana, who on both times was search frantically for her mummy.

- It was great to see Alice, one of our favourite residents at SWAMI. I was super impressed when I greeted her, Alice looked at me and said ' Hi, Fiona!!, where is Reegan?"

Alice's memory was great. We spent a few moments with her, chatting and talking about her family and other tidbits.

- Overall, despite the small number of volunteers, I hope all the residents still enjoyed our company.

Once again, my heartfelt thanks to all. Hope to see you at the next visit!

Warmest,

Fiona Seow

with Quinton & Reegan

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The sky threatened a huge storm, but none of us were cowed! A grand total of 21 human volunteers, 11 canine volunteers, 3 observers and 3 visitors made this visit a special one to celebrate the mid-autumn festival with the residents of BMNH. 

The residents gathered at 2.45 pm in the Hall of Praise for a little treat of mooncake and peeled pomelo, generously sponsored by Andy, Susan and Margaret. Many of them had second helpings, an indication that they were delighted with the treat. Tea time was accompanied by nostalgic songs by the still-popular Teresa Teng (thanks to Valerie). I must apologise for the communication breakdown which resulted in many helping hands coming to the rescue to frantically peel the pomelo so that the residents could enjoy them without hassle. It truly warmed my heart to see the volunteers stepping forward so spontaneously as they saw the need -- THANK YOU everyone!

At 3 pm, the canines stepped up to do what they do best -- provide companionship, doggie licks, clownish entertainment or just be the ice-breaker to start conversations flowing. Together with our human volunteers, they provided socialisation therapy and mental stimulation. It was a great time for us to catch up with our favourite 'uncles' and 'aunties'. We also had a special performance of harmonica playing by one of residents. Newcomers Mei Foong & Bee Lian with Mei Mei and Bao Bao and Noelle with Poshie made a wonderful start in interacting with the residents.

At 4 pm, the residents were presented with lovingly hand-made lanterns, a labour of love and gift of friendship from the patients at St Andrew's Community Hospital (thanks to Wei Chin), and packets of biscuits (thanks to Patricia). Their pleasure was obvious as they were wheeled out of the Hall. Even as we made their day, they made ours. We ended the session with our own little mooncake makan and interaction among the volunteers. 

For the record, our faithful volunteers were:

1. Margaret Chung with Piper/Beagle

2. Patricia Koh with Brutus/English Bull dog

3. Christina Lim with Brinkley/Golden Retriever

4. Steven & Diana Pang with Misty/Golden Retriever

5. Lau Mei Foong & Bee Lian with Mei Mei/Chihuahua and Bao Bao/Pekingnese

6. Linda Teo and Alvin with Wagon/Mini Shnauzer

7. John Chua with Zorro/Shih Tzu

8. Noelle Tang with Poshie/Norfolk Terrier

9. Susan Ng, Rosie Choo and Serene Koo with Faith/Maltese

10. Andy Pe and James Howser with Moby/Labrador

11. Daphne with Koko/Golden Retriever

12. Wei Chin, Helping Hand

13. Kunshan, Helping Hand

14. Emily Lui and mum Soo Fen, Helping Hands

We also had visitors Wei Yong (Wei Chin's brother) and friends Stacy and Jesslin, as well as observers Judy Chow and hubby Chris and Jeanne Tan. Hope to see them in action soon!

At this juncture, I wish to put on record TDS's great appreciation for Ms Donna Tsang of BMNH who has been facilitating our visits. Donna will be leaving Bethany. Having worked closely with her, I particularly appreciate very much her sharing about individual residents so that we have better understanding of their needs and make specific efforts to reach them through our human and canine volunteers. This happened only because she was present for most of our visits, and because of her close bonding with and compassion for each and every resident. I enjoyed watching her interact with them, as she always had a special word of comfort for each one, or a joke to share, or even just a kind touch. We wish her all the best as she pursues other interests or career. We will miss her sorely, and I am sure the residents will too.

I also wish to announce that wef October, I will be handing over the role of BMNH i/cs will be Wei Chin and Kunshan, 2 very experienced volunteers who have a big heart for the residents. Despite these changes, I am sure our partnership with Bethany will continue to grow from strength to strength. For this to happen, please continue to do what you all have been doing -- make time for every visit, get to know the residents and share your dogs' unconditional love and companionship!

Thank you again, everyone. YOU made a difference today!

cheers

Soo Fen

This is the report of our recent visit to Thong Teck Home for Senior Citizens on the 9th September 2011.

In attendance

We thank those who gave their precious time that afternoon. You made a difference that day!

1. Valerie Gan with Sable (Shetland Sheepdog)

2. Angie Lim with Snow (Samoyed)

3. Julie Yeow  (Nana not well to join us, hope she has recovered)

4. Doris Chang (Helping Hand)

5. Wong Hui Yuan with Piggy (Chihuahua)

6. Ang Lay Hui with Hayden (CKCS)

First time visits

We welcome those who joined us for the first time at this home, as well as those who came for observation sessions. We certainly hope to see more of you in the future!

1. Agnes Tan – de Souza

2. Sano and friend

4. Michelle Lau and dad

3. Second group of SGcares volunteers

Notes and highlights

Our visit was indeed meaningful; special moments and observations include:

- Special thanks to Valerie and Sable for joining us.  Both had to rush back for Valerie to catch the plane.  We wish her Bon Voyage and enjoyed her well deserved break from all works for TDS.

- A hard day work for Hayden.  Julie went round the hall to encourage the residents to hold the hula hoop for him to jump over.  He enjoyed the treats the residents gave him after each jump.

- Tiny Piggy enjoyed the comfort of being carried on laps while Sable went round the hall enjoying the treats from Doris and residents. 

- The residents were happy to pat and see the beautiful white Snow with her shoes.

-  The SGcares volunteers interacted with the residents, helped to handle some of our dogs and played Chinese chess with the residents.

Once again, my heartfelt thanks to all. Hope to see you at the next visit!

Warmest,

Lay Hui

In attendance

It was our first visit to Tung Ling, so all the volunteers did not know what to expect. Our arrival, we were greeted by the residents

who lived in the blocks around Dakota Crescent. Children and adults alike were curious what are all these dogs doing around the area.

We felt like celebrities :) with all the attention focused on us.

We want to thank those who gave up their precious time that afternoon to be with us at Tung Ling. You were the stars of the day :)

1. Rachelle Gehrig with JJ (Golden Retriever)

2. Fiona Seow with Reegan (Golden Retriever) 

3. Valerie Gan with Sable (Shetland Sheepdog)

4. Lisa Scott with Nashi (Samoyed)

5. Gwen Wong with Chou Chou (Chow Chow)

6. Ang Lay Hui with Hayden (Kings Charles Spaniel)

7. Angie Lim with Snow (Samoyed)

First Time Visits

We Welcome those who joined us for the first time as volunteers and those as observers, We certainly hope to see more of you in future visits.

1. Jane Mok with Santi (Corgi Mix)

2. Joanne Fong with Buddy (Golden Retriever)

3. Joleen Toh (Observer)

Notes and highlights

- It was a hot afternoon. Anticipation was high as it was our first time at Tung Ling. The enthusiasm of the elderly participants were contagious.We were greeted warmly by all of them. 

- Amazingly, almost all of them were not scared of our dogs, instead there was a buzz of activity at the beginningwhere our dogs became hot commodities for photo taking session. 

- Everyone wanted pictures with our dogs :). Roger the i/c at center was one of the photographers.

- Due to the high volume of pictures taken, his camera ran out of battery. That just goes to proof the popularity of our dogs amongst everyone there.

- After all the hype, everyone settled down to stroking and chit chatting amongst the volunteers and participants. 

- One elderly lady even had Reegan gave her some '4D' numbers. I do hope she will strike it lucky!

- Overall the atmosphere today was happy, lively and heartwarming. 

- You can tell that everyone enjoyed themselves tremendously!!!

Once again, my heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who are present today. It is because of you that the session went so well.

I would also like to thank Yee Chuan from South East development council who made it all possible, and Roger Neo at Tung Ling Elder Center who has been so welcoming and

enthusiastic towards our TDS visit. I hope we will be able to visit you next time. 

Warmest,

Fiona Seow

with  Reegan