Saydee
Miniature Schnauzer
Inducted December 2002
Owned by Virginia Hyatt
Nominated by Dr. Paul Bruton
No one can say that Saydee the Shaydee Laydee isn’t devoted to her work. For over eight years, the 10-year-old Miniature Schnauzer has visited hospitals and schools as a registered/certified therapy dog. She often works six days a week, visiting at least two facilities each day, and has served over 15,000 hours in her life. Whether supplying the motivation for a recent stroke victim to use her right hand for the first time again in order to pet her or helping disabled children overcome their fear of dogs, Saydee is able to reach those who need it most. To honor her work, Saydee was inducted into the Texas Animal Hall of Fame on Dec. 5, 2002.
Saydee belongs to Virginia Hyatt, the founder and executive director of Paws Across Texas, (PAT), a nonprofit organization. As one of PAT’s “top dogs,” Saydee is popular everywhere she goes. Children delight in seeing Saydee singing along with them or dancing in circles when she visits their schools. She chases balls thrown by a laughing disabled nine-year-old who has only recently learned how to throw objects a couple of feet. She nuzzles against a seven-year-old who is unable to move her arms or legs, provoking a smile that shows the world that even though her body may not function completely, she still experiences pleasure. The joy Saydee provides is unmistakable.
During one visit, an elderly patient was exhibiting isolative behavior, depression and low motivation due to the loss of her husband and pet in the same year, not to mention the stress of her own health issues. After visiting with Saydee, the patient talked about her constantly until her discharge from the unit. The excitement on her face after Saydee obeyed a few of her commands still resonates in the mind of Larry Davis, a therapeutic recreation specialist.
"I was able to see the abundance of love to give that this patient still possessed through her behavior with Saydee,” Davis says. “It was such an outstanding impression that Saydee made on this person, which gave this elderly patient one more great moment to reflect on for the rest of her life.”
Another time, a patient had recently had a stroke involving partial paralysis of her upper extremity, depression, and decreased initiation of speech. Through brushing and throwing balls to Saydee, the patient initiated movement in her upper extremity. She also smiled and spoke to Saydee. None of the therapists had ever seen this patient smile, make eye contact, or speak
without prompting.
"Saydee has a very gentle, friendly demeanor, which brings out the best in our patients,” says Paige Steele, a recreation therapist. “I truly believe that this patient’s responses were due specifically to the fact that Saydee displays great patience, gentleness and willingness to please.”
The Texas Animal Hall of Fame is not the first to recognize Saydee’s accomplishments. She has been featured in numerous newspapers and magazines. PAT and Virginia Hyatt have received many awards, including the 2002 Points of Light Foundation Service Award, the 2002 United Way Volunteer for Fort Worth Award, and the 2000 Community Service Award from Cook Children’s Medical Center.
Dr. Paul Bruton of Southlake is proud to have nominated Saydee for the Texas Animal Hall of Fame. He knows Saydee is truly one of a kind.
"Saydee is known for her exceptional charm and friendly personality. She has a well-mannered demeanor,” says Dr. Bruton. “Saydee has warmed hearts, lifted spirits, and caused people to have hope that they could do things they thought were impossible.”
