Click here to see lots of fantastic photo's of Luca and Arlo on their webpage.

13thJune 2008: Residential Brain Injury Unit Dundee. Today, mum and I went back to the residential home in Dundee for our weekly visit. This was our 3rd visit and some of my friends now know my name, they were delighted to see me. I am getting to know them too. Karen, Michelle and Cath really look forward to seeing me. Mum took her camera today and I had my photo taken with my friends. I met some new friends, i liked them all very much, they were all stroking me and mum had taken some small morsels of my food, so my friends could give me a treat, this was the best bit ! I met a man called Tim who was upstairs in his room, I went up in the lift again to see him. When I met him at first, although I liked him alot, I wanted to investigate his room as I could smell a puppy !!!!! To my delight, it turns out I was right, in Tim,s room was an 8 week old puppy called Nimrod ! He belongs to Fiona, one of the carers, she brings him into work with her so he wont be lonely, Tim has the job of puppy-sitting ! Well,I was in heaven,I washed Nimrod from head to paw and he seemed to enjoy it very much,Tim was amazed at how very gentle I was with the tiny puppy, so mum told him I have two guinea pigs at home and an " ARLO " which I mother to bits, wash and care for ! After my visiting was over, I got to play with Glen again, to be honest, when mum opened the van for me to get in and go home,I didn,t want to go!  What with ALL my new friends,Glen AND a puppy,why would I want to leave - I was in heaven ! But mum promised I could come again next week ! Love Luca! x June 4th 2008: Local Brain Injury unit Dundee   Arlo and I went back to the brain injury residential home in Dundee today at 1 o clock. I went in 1st and was met by a lady called Karen, who at first was very frightened of me, with a little gentle coaxing Karen eventually gained the courage to stroke me. Karen wanted to show us her room, so we went upstairs in the lift ( My first time ever in a lift and I wasn't phased at all ) We spent a wee bit of time with Karen, then went and introduced ourselves to the other residents. Mum said I was a star, kissing everyone, tail wagging the whole time !Everyone was really pleased to see me,  as a reward for me I was able to play with Glen the nurses border collie, both Glen and I ran about outside having a great time. There was alot of strange noises during our visit, wheelchairs and lots of activity, I wasn,t phased by any of it and took it all in my stride, I was lapping up all the attention. Arlo had the day off today as " mum " just knew that some of the activity may have spooked him,and "mum" didn't want Arlo or any of the residents to have a bad experience. Sometimes one or two of the residents sit outside in the beautiful grounds, so Arlo will visit outside next week (weather permitting ) in a much calmer and quieter environment !! I will be right in the middle of all the hussle and bussle, as I like nothing better.   Love Luca X   29th May 2008: Local brain injury residential home in Dundee.   Me and My Arlo went along to our 1st placement today, as official THERAPETS.  We met people with brain injury, trauma to the brain, caused by either by road traffic accidents,violent assaults or falls. There were people of all ages, teenagers, middle aged like my mum (only joking) and elderly. Mum (Mandie) went in first to introduce herself to the person in charge, who came out to meet myself and Arlo, We were thrilled to meet her.  We went inside, the lady in charge told mum not to put us on our lead, she told her to let us sniff and explore of course we just hated that (I don't think so). So the doors were opened and in went Me and Arlo, we explored EVERY  nook and cranny, then I did my job and I  found a young girl about 16 years old who needed a hug, I  plonked myself next to her and put my head on her lap, I think she needed someone like me!!!  Arlo spotted a bit of sunshine, and went and flopped down in the sun (typical man don't you think?) but he was still there and a big comfort to the people around. Both of us did make ourselves right at home but no one seemded to mind. We stayed for half an hour and arranged to visit once a week for a two hour slot! I think they liked us a lot! I think we will all get along just fine, everyone was lovely,and loved me and Arlo TO BITS, we have still to meet most of the other residents, but we'll do that next week. Love Luca x