On Thursday, we headed to GiGi’s Playhouse for TheraPlay, one of the many amazing programs they offer! This was our very first time attending, and it was such a great experience. TheraPlay blends occupational therapy activities with free play—something Kay absolutely loved!
What made this visit even more special was that Maeve, Kay’s diabetic alert dog in training, got to join us for her very first GiGi’s Playhouse session, too! I’m so grateful for Maeve’s wonderful trainer, who met us there and is always open to hearing about the types of activities Kay participates in. That way, Maeve can be gradually introduced to our routines and feel right at home in Kay’s world.
Maeve did an incredible job! Both her trainer and I were so impressed. The kids were excited to see her, and they did a great job following directions—learning when it’s okay to pet Maeve and when she’s “on duty.” Despite all the excitement—kids running around, loud ride-on toys popping across the floor, and bouncy balls rolling everywhere—Maeve stayed calm and focused.
I really appreciate how Maeve’s training is tailored to real-life situations. While all diabetic alert dogs follow a basic training structure, Maeve’s program also focuses on making her experiences as personal and relevant to our lifestyle as possible, which is so important for a strong working bond with Kay.
After our time at GiGi’s, we made a quick stop at our favorite inclusive coffee shop—Dig It Coffee! They had invited the community to come by for a special filming session for Good Morning America and were hoping to fill the space. We were happy to support and be part of the fun, even if just for a little while!