We all have these photos … throwback photos!
It’s described as ‘nostalgia-inducing pictures … from a different era of your life”.
Every Thursday we will throw a few photos of ‘way back when’ on our blog. Why on a Thursday? Because it’s just a day away from the weekend … and we love weekends!
You are welcome to join in or just enjoy the photos (#TB Thursday).
Mediclinic Panorama, Cape Town (August 2016)
Today’s TB Thursday post is going to be short, but definitely sweet!
We actually had something else in mind for this TB Thursday, but when I came across these two pictures in our archive, I thought about the positive effect animals can have on one’s state of mind – that’s of course if you like animals.
Some of you will remember that a few weeks ago I introduced you to my working life at Mediclinic Panorama where I worked for eleven years. There have been so many highlights during my time at this hospital and it’s hard to pick my ultimate favourite day … but there was that one day!
Welcoming ‘committee’ at the front door of the hospital
In August 2016, Mediclinic Panorama celebrated their 30th birthday. We have planned several events for this day to celebrate the milestone, such as the delivery of flower decorations to each hospital ward, gifts to all staff, competitions of all sort and the handing out of cupcakes to visitors.
However, the highlight of that day (for me) was our two friendly furry friends who personally welcomed each visitor at the front door. They were so well trained and enjoyed all the attention they got from each and every one.
‘Hello friend, welcome’
When I think back to how people’s faces lit up when they walked in the front door of the hospital and saw the two tail wagging dogs, it fills my heart with so much warmth. For a fleeting moment, people forgot about the challenges and pain they had to face inside the hospital and appreciated the unconditional love of an animal.
These two dogs were happy with whoever came through that door and didn’t ask for anything from them … except a friendly face and a pat on the head. We can learn from animals, don’t you think?
Wet and Dusty Roads 
Very nice
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Dogs always make me smile 🙂.
LikeLike
Aah, what an awesome welcoming committee! Golden retrievers are so sweet, friendly, and love unconditionally. You’re correct when saying humans could learn much from these beautiful souls. Lovely post Corna, and beautiful photo of you too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In all my years at the hospital, I have never seen so many visitors smile when they walk in the front door 💌. Thanks Tricia, it was definitely one of my best days at work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was a lovely idea and a lovely thing to do
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a lot Phil. I think it was even a welcome distraction for those who were not dog lovers 😉.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great idea! I bet these two beauties brought in a lot of smiles!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They were definitely the hit of the day! Even some of the patients came out of their rooms to spend time with the dogs – it was definitely one of those “feel good moments”.
LikeLike
Ek is as baba deur n hond in die gesig gebyt en het eintlik nog nooit oor my vrees vir hulle gekom nie. Dit vat my n hele ruk voor ek gemaklik genoeg is met honde wat ek nie ken nie om hulle te probeer vryf. Hulle voel my vrees natuurlik aan, en dit help natuurlik nie my senuwees nie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ek kan dit heeltemal verstaan Dries. Berto is self deur ‘n hond gebyt toe hy ‘n klein seuntjie was en sal nie sommer (soos ek) ‘n hond tromp-op loop en vryf nie. Berto waarsku my altyd dat ek nie moet dink elke hond wat ek sien, is ‘n vriendelike hond nie 🙃 … ek probeer dit onthou!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, we can certainly learn from them. What gorgeous dogs. Were they siblings? Animals have such a wonderful impact on people who are suffering. I suspect your smiling face will have cheered people up too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, they were brother and sister and really managed to make everyone smile – even the grumpiest person. We even baked them doggy cupcakes, so I don’t think they would have minded visiting again. (Smiling comes easily to me – Berto has said before that he is surprised that I even get up in the morning with a smile 🙂).
LikeLike
May you always keep it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dogs and other animals certainly have a wonderful effect on one’s well-being. Our day is always brightened when the neighbour’s cats come to visit – sometimes more than once a day.
You might enjoy a book called Doctor Dogs by Maria Goodavage. It is all about aid dogs and how they are trained. The stories are incredible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
At our house in Langebaan there is a dog that comes to say hello every day when we’re there – I don’t know who is always the happiest to see each other … me or little Coco 🙂. Thank you, I have searched for the book on the internet and it definitely sounds like something I would enjoy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let me know what you think when you read it, It’s a truly awesome book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will definitely do so 🌸.
LikeLike
Having those two gorgeous furry friends to greet me at the door would have made my day too Corna. How lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I absolutely agree with you Marion. I usually forget where I was going when I run into a dog somewhere 😉 … they are a tonic for any mood.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Is dit nie net te oulik nie, Corna.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, ek’s bly jy dink ook so Una 🐾. Dit was beslis een van my beste dae by die hospitaal … en dit te danke aan twee wollerige en vriendelike honde!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh those dogs look beautiful and friendly. How I wish I don’t have dog phobia. 😦 I do not dislike dogs but my heart race whenever I see even a tiny one. In fact i used to have a dog growing up her name is Tigrina. But a terrible attack by a neighbour’s massive dog happened when I was in high school and I was frightened since then. Now this post got me thinking, maybe it’s not yet too late to get over my phobia. Maybe I can find out how to get over it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My husband always reminds me that not all dogs are friendly (he was bitten by a dog when he was a toddler) and I can understand that when you’ve had a traumatic experience, you’re not always that comfortable around dogs. But when you can make friends with a dog that has a gentle nature (like most labradors), that might be a good start.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll try 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t agree more about how being around animals can have such a positive impact on our well-being. How fun to have these two dogs at the workplace! Makes you wonder why we don’t do this more often!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was loads of fun having those two at the hospital. We also had a “hospital cat” that sat in the entrance hall – people would always petted him before they entered. He was quite well-known and visitors/patients loved him, but unfortunately he died at the age of 18. Animals definitely have a positive effect on most people’s mood.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By ‘n groot hospitaal in die VSA het vrywilligers hospitaalbesoek gedoen met hulle honde – nogal met gedrukte visitekaartjies met die hond se naam en foto daarop. ‘n Goue retriever het my kind se dag daar kom ophelder en haar sommer beter laat voel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ag, ek’s mal oor die hond met sy/haar eie visitekaartjie – hoe oulik is dit nou nie! Nou ja, dan is die “beter voel” van Tannie Frannie se dogter mos bewys dat honde ‘n positiewe uitwerking op ons gemoed het 🙂 … dankie vir deel van die mooi storie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful memory and what a wonderful experience for your clients!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it’s a wonderful memory of one of my best days at the hospital. And it was great to see how everyone enjoyed the two dogs (and also, how much the dogs enjoyed the day 😉).
LikeLiked by 1 person
🐕🦮🐕🦺🐩Dogs are always adorable and irresistible 😊😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Who wouldn’t love to be greeted by a beautiful dog? I know I would love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree Kellye. I could see the visitors loved the idea of being greeted by these two 🐾.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww what a wonderful throwback 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was one of those throwbacks that made my heart skip a beat 💌.
LikeLike
Lovely throwback ♥️ Our faces always light up when we come across cats or dogs, be they strays or someone’s pets. What a great idea to have the two beautiful dogs welcoming visitors at the entrance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a very special day Leighton – the warmth on people’s faces when they saw the dogs was just so beautiful to see. Here’s a short story: I remember a little girl who came in that day for a small procedure and she was so scared to come into the hospital. That was until her mom showed her the dogs. She was so happy to see them and sat with them for quite a long time – then walked away with a smile. Later I took her a cupcake and she said she is no longer afraid of hospitals at all 💌.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a lovely story Corna. More hospitals should do this instead of bloody clowns. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, I agree 100%. Clowns are not one of my favourite people …
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pets indeed can bring comfort and joy and especially dogs and cats can reduce stress and anxiety too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it amazing what a positive effect pets can have on a person (whether it’s your own or someone else’s) 😉. Looking at this, we should appreciate them more!
LikeLiked by 1 person