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I'm always amazed at the talented Norfolk and "their" people featured in the Natter. Beautiful show dogs, Agility and obedience champions. Heck, there are even actors and models! 
My 1.5 year old Black and Tans, Rolo and Reese, may not have any titles or credits to their names, but the one special talent that they share with all other Norfolk is the unwavering ability to bring people joy, comfort and a smile.
Like you, I think Norfolk are a fantastic, if not the best, breed of dog. And, like me, you probably will extol their virtues to anyone willing to listen.
To share these Norfolk virtues with others, my husband Dave and I, decided to volunteer as pet visitors at our neighborhood nursing home. We've been visiting the residents at Valleyview Home, one evening, every other week, since Rolo and Reese were 14 weeks old. This is a great socialization opportunity for dogs and humans alike!
Pet visiting has been a very rewarding and fun way to volunteer in our community. We visit from room to room, casually chatting with residents and hoisting up our dogs to be petted. We perform a small repertoire of tricks, dress them up in costumes when the occasion calls and dole out dog treats like human Pezz dispensers.
 The residents and staff have really enjoyed watching them grow up. We've been delighted to see residents that have limited mobility, making huge efforts to pet and talk to the dogs. Staff have told us of residents that haven't smiled or talked in weeks, but will do so when they see Rolo and Reese. We've even had special requests for visits when someone's in need of some extra special Norfolk comfort.
We love hearing that our dogs have that effect on the residents. Many residents have told us about the dogs they've had in their lives and really do appreciate our visits. According to Val Freeman, Valley view’s Volunteer Coordinator, Role and Reese have a "groupie-like" following of adoring Norfolk fans. Role and Reese feel right at home there too. I'm always amazed to see how they will adjust their behavior to accommodate each resident's need.
Pet visits shouldn't be confused with pet therapy. Dogs must be at least a year old and pass a test to be certified as a pet therapy dog. Although, by choice and consideration of the residents we visit, we do follow the same principlesand guidelines required of therapy dogs when we make our pet visits.
If you're interested in sharing some of your time and passion for your Norfolk, please consider volunteering as a pet visitor.
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