On 01.02.02, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Too late for surgery, I had chemotherapy, which failed. In May the chemotherapy was changed and I was soon in remission which was celebrated and welcome and lasted nine years - until October 2011. There was progression in 2011 so more treatment was indicated and I am now back in partial remission. But I'm not only a cancer patient - I also enjoy my family, walk my dogs and am learning to draw and paint. Life is good!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

A dog in the Hall

This afternoon a staff member at Juvenile Hall asked me what I did with Beulie in the Hall. "Oh, she keeps me company." That was a true answer, but only half of the truth. Beulie is my little sidekick. She falls asleep under a table and the kids forget she's in the room. I like having her with me, travelling with me, walking through those long empty hallways of Juvenile Hall.

But at some point I do hand over the leash and let the kids walk her around, play with her, pet her and fend off her kisses. Beulie is a calming presence to teens in detention. She wanders around the unit, looking for treats and attention and sometimes she models important principles. Last week, for example, I was showing the boys how Beulie can be put in a Down-Stay with kibble on her paws. She may slobber and drool, gazing longingly at the food, but she has enough self-control to leave the food on her paws. Self-control, what a concept for kids in Juvenile Hall!

5 comments:

  1. Barbara: When I was in Amsterdam, (want to go back). In there Modern, They had huge pieces of Pencil drawings and this wonderful pen sketch refreshed my memory of them. Your should more of these. It is so simple and fresh.
    Sherrie

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  2. Self control is so important for teenagers (and everyone!) to learn. You're exposing them to an important concept in a way that is different from what they're used to. That's a great thing.

    And your drawing is pretty darn cute too!

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  3. Anonymous6:08 AM

    This is well done, Barbara. I saw Brix's picture in your side bar and your sketch is so close to the pic.

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  4. This is a great sketch!

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  5. Thank you so much for all your comments. - Barbara

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