Ask Sebastian
Ask Sebastian
Sebastian is 5 years old and has been doing visits for over 4 years. With a little help from Grandpa, he does his best to answer all your questions about Pet-A-Pet.
Email your questions to Ask Sebastian in care of the webmaster to this link webmaster@petapet.org
Calli writes : Hi Sebastian,
My name is Calli and I'm a Pet A Pet volunteer too. I really like your column. The answers are very good and the information is for everyone to know. I'm a chocolate Lab too and Mom is helping me learn how to become a better therapy dog so I can be certified. She says I don't have to be certified but I like learning some really fun things and the treats are really, really yummy!
I just love meeting a lot of nice people on my visits and I just get so excited when I see my canine friends, I can't control myself! My tail just keeps wagging (major wiggle butt) and I jump around and lick everyone who comes close to me. Is there some way I can control my excitement? Are you a calm Lab? I'm three years old and Mom says I still act like a puppy.
Thanks for the great advice! Hope we can meet some day.
Catch me if you can.........Calli
A. Hi Calli,
I get excited to, i "talk" to the people in the lobby, it seems that Grandpa is the only one that can understand what i am saying. I go to grandmas before our visits so i can get rid of some of the excitement first. Grandma says she notices a difference once i turned five, that i have mellowed a bit. I also know that when i go to a visit i have to be calm. I like to jump up and sit in chairs next to beds so people can reach me better. Grandma and Grampa say its because i don't know i'm a dog. When i'm not visiting I get very excited, i don't jump so much but love to play. When grandpa sits in the recliner i like to bond and sit on his lap, i even tipped him over twice, but he was OK. Thanks so much for writing, i hope i helped answer your questions.
Sebastian.
RUNSAROUNDYARD Writes:
Sebastian, What is it like going to a hospital to visit?
A. There are lots of cool smells and new people to visit. Its really fun, I get to see my friends too. It’s like a family reunion every time.
SNIFFEVERYTHING Writes:
Sebastian, Do you get to ride in an elevator
A. Yes its cool, sometimes dogs get scared the first time but after that they are usually fine.
SLEEPSONCOUCH Writes:
Sebastian, What should mom or dad do so I can come and visit too?
A. They need to find a visit that fits with their schedules and call that coordinator, or they can email the webmaster
LIVESWITHCATS Writes:
Sebastian, Do I have to go through training and learn to sit and stuff to be able to visit?
A. Some owners find that some basic training is helpful, but not required. You just have to be social with other dogs and friendly with people.
DIGSINYARD Writes:
Sebastian, What do you do if you have to go to the bathroom?
A. Mon or Dad should pay attention to you when you tell them you need to go out side and you can take a break to go outside. Mom or dad should always be prepared to clean up in case they didn’t notice you needed to go out and there is an accident.
LOVESCOLDTILE Writes:
Sebastian, Does it get warm in the building?
A. Sometimes in the winter it does, My Grandma always brings cold water and a bowl. Grandmas are the best!
BEGSFORTREATS Writes:
Sebastian, Do you get to have treats at the visits?
A. Yes I get to have a few, not too many. (Grama has the best treats)
NEVERMETASTRANGER Writes:
Sebastian, Does everyone want you to visit?
A. No some people are afraid of us, we always ask patients before we visit them.
TAILSWAG Writes:
Sebastian, Do you make friends with other dogs?
A Yes all the time, some times we have play dates away from the visit. Our visit even had a doggie party for us , it was great!
DONTLIKETHEVET Writes:
Is there anything to be afraid of there?
A. No there are different smells, (the food carts smell good) nothing to worry about. You should not eat anything you find on the floor anyway only eat treats from your mom or dad or other friends.
BIGWATERBOWL Writes:
What if I get thirsty?
A. My Grandma always brings cold water and a bowl, I don’t drink too much, and get more after the visit.
SNIFFEVERYTHING Writes:
Do we have to stay the whole time or come every time?
A. No you do what is best for you, your owners should watch to see if you are getting tired. Or if you are busy and can’t make it every time that’s ok! But we are sure once you come and meet new friends you will want to come back.
TOUGHQUESTION Writes:
How did you get to do this column?
A. Grandpa is the Webmaster, he helps with the typing, I don’t like the mouse, it won’t play.