Cuddling with Clover will spread holiday cheer
TREATS ONLY THIS HALLOWEEN
From the moment Clover Patrick enters a room, the mood changes. Eyes focus on him, and smiles spread as the little white Coton de Tuléar offers a caring canine connection to everyone he encounters.
Clover will be two years old on Dec. 26, but already he has found his calling as a therapy dog. He is certified by the American Kennel Club to visit people who are lonely, depressed or stressed, and impart a sense of reassurance and calm as they pet and hold him.
Clover’s breed is named for the city of Tuléar in Madagascar. His ancestors are thought to have originated from a group of small white dogs who swam across the Malagasy channel following a shipwreck, according to Wikipedia.
Clover himself loves to visit ships and marinas, according to Leslie Parker of Mutual 2, who is Clover’s person. He loves to run and fetch balls, and is crazy about his loud piggy-toy.
Best of all, he excels at healing hearts, a great asset for a therapy dog.
Studies have shown that something as simple as petting a dog can reduce stress, stabilize heart rates or even lower blood pressure. (Therapy dogs are not service dogs, which are specifically trained to perform a task or tasks to assist a person with a disability or impairment). Due to COVID-19 shut downs and safety protocols, Clover has not been able to serve in his usual way. Normally he is a member of the Pet Prescription Team, visiting hospitals and assisted care facilities, among other venues.
But that won’t stop him and Leslie from helping people celebrate the holiday season, starting with Halloween. Leisure World residents who could use a friendly visit are welcome to call and make reservations for Clover to come over. During the Halloween season, he will have a special treat just for his new friends.
Masks and physical distancing are required for the humans, but Clover is free to come close and cuddle. He can make birthdays, holidays and just plain sad days a lot brighter. To make a reservation, call (562) 357-4433.
In his short life, Clover has already uplifted the spirits of many, having worked at Redeemer Lutheran’s Alzheimer’s Respite Care Center, which is closed indefinitely due to the pandemic.
Clover’s ability to calm people during hard times first came to light just after Leslie adopted him. She had a neighbor in excruciating pain due to lung cancer. During visits, Clover would sit on her lap, and his presence seemed to dampen the pain and give her peace. The holiday season will soon be here. It’s going to look and feel different than any other. A visit with Clover could well be the anecdote to the sadness and loneliness of letting go.
