Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Yo Hablo Espanol...sort of
Here at the Oakland Adoption center we see an incredibly diverse rainbow of clients. It is one of the reasons I love working here! The downside is that some folks who come looking to add a new companion to their lives do not speak English. I can speak enough Spanish to get by, and this comes in pretty handy from time to time. It is also a real gift to be able this year to hand out Spanish language materials to all our adopters.I am always so amazed at a client's delight when I greet them in Spanish with "Puedo aydarle?" which is "Can I help you?" From there we muddle through with my Spanish and a little English and some gesturing and referencing to the written materials we have.
Last weekend there were a couple and two children in to look at a dog. They had never had a dog before and the Canine Associates had them out with several dogs. Finally, they decided on one they wanted and I was asked to come and do the "dog talk." That is the conversation to help folks plan for success in bringing home a new dog.
We actually had a great conversation. They were very patient with my frequent search for the right word. They asked great questions. At the end they placed a dog on hold while overnight they reviewed the Spanish packet I gave them. The next morning I got a call on my office phone. They thanked me for the time spent with them and the great information. They had decided to really think more about having a dog and were not ready at this time.
In my opinion, this is a great outcome.
There is nothing that makes me happier than when people really take seriously the commitment to an animal. I am pretty sure I will see this family again one day, and I am confident they will be ready.
A todos que venir para visitar los animales, gracias para pensar en los animales aqui.
Si, necesita alguien quien habla espanol, me llamo Nann y hablo bastante espanol para tener una conversacion y decir bien venidos.
