Beamers Cabin

Todays post is about our week a while back spent with the 2 therapy dogs at the Stollery and their owner Neil.

I have a previous post a while back dedicated to Beamer (who is the senior of these 2 dogs).

We'll start with Beamer.

Kali and I met Beamer 9 years ago in Oncology. It was just another day in H.E. double hockey sticks when a very nice gentleman walked through the ward with this magnificent standard white poodle.

This surprise was just what the doctor had ordered, Kali's spirits were lifted and as a result, so were mine.

I was most intrigued by this dog and his owner. They just seemed to share the exact same personality, the impact their visit made on the kids was magical.

After over an hour of "poodle talk", my perception about "these dogs" had turned a 180 (this poodle idea eventually became the precursor to a F.R.E.D. )

I also learned that Neil and Beamer visited the Stollery every Tuesday, focusing primarily on Peds Oncology.

10 years later, Beamer is now 14 and recently retired. This I consider to be a HUGE volunteer commitment when you consider that one day per week, this man missed work to drive one hour to and from with his dogs to provide an outstanding service to some seriously needy children.

The other dog is Murphy - a very large brown Irish Water Spaniel who has the most docile personality. Kids can lay on him, tug at him, pull his ears and he does the drop, roll and plea for a fat belly rub.

Anyhoo, we had the pleasure of spending 4 days with these guys at their cabin, riding boats, convertibles, fishing, sking, tubing, fetching, fireworks and playing crib. Very relaxing get away, treated like royalty, hard to leave. Kids spent a LOT of time on the water tubing, boogy boarding, skiing....I am far too woosy for water sports, however did go for a 15 minute round in the tube. This time I didnt swallow the lake, and hey - no sea weed in my ears! Neil rocks the water on skis and just about anything, which gave me opportunity to drive the boat.

I think about karma and how this family has been blessed by what they do for others. Beamer's mom - a brave survivor of breast cancer, now in remission and doing well.

It was interesting to learn of the many stories involving these 2 dogs. Since the day I have met Neil, I have been a sponge trying to absorb all of the experiences that have blessed him involving the kids. I know that he has seen more loss than we have, as he has been directly involved with the kids for 10 years. I also know this has taken a toll on this man, as he too is a father and grandfather, and the children they have seen are all to easy to connect with.

Beamer is in remarkable shape for a dog his age, still plays, reads people, and is all too available for a cuddle. He reminds me a lot of FRED in some poodly ways except Beamer isnt a jerk ever, and Fred sometimes is.

Anyhoo, we were very fortunate for the days spent with Neil and his furry boys. This journey truly has been bitter - sweet. So many perks along the way... so much sad.