Misha The Therapy Dog Plays Santa

A very large dog that could have been mistaken for a very small horse with a long pink tongue came to work wearing a very unique costume.  Jingling bells, a flared red skirt and a santa hat made up her ensemble, and she wore it with flair and style.

This is Misha, a mellow Great Dane therapy dog.  She comes to work dressed in holiday regalia and delights patients and staff alike.  Misha is about
150 lb and is about three and a half years old.  She has been selected and trained to go around the hospital cheering people up and giving them something to smile about, and sometimes just the sight of an animal or being able to touch her soft clean fur triggers a positive, healing response in people.  I wonder if little kids see her as an equal.  Surely, she is much bigger than most of them.  Sometimes people pour their hearts out to therapy dogs when no one else has been able to gain their trust.  A dog simply shows up and stands there; the rest is magic.

There are quite a few dogs whose owners volunteer to bring them in for visits every few days.  They're on a schedule, and these quiet canines take their job seriously.  When they put on their official green vests, they know where they're going and what is expected.

In the squadron, as I call it, are a bichon, a doberman, an Australian shepherd, and a standard-sized poodle.  Misha showed up in her nose-to-tail finery and never blinked an eye, standing quietly on her leash and accepting comments, praise and dog cookies whenever offered.  When she wants to relax, she swings her hind quarters around and sets them down on a chair.  It's easy for her since her back goes nearly up to my waist.  She has her toenails painted red, has a blinking lighted collar and a few accessories I doubt many other dogs would put up with but that she doesn't mind in the slightest.  Considering she had the entire staff crowded around her smiling and laughing, the job she does is unique and very much appreciated.