ENTRY 1: “A Hard Day's Work”
by Kris Campesi of Manassas, VA
Pictured in Photo: A 3-year-young Buddy, April 2003

“Buddy began his therapy career last summer and really considers it hard work! Currently Buddy is visiting Snowden Psychiatric Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia and Learning Services Corporation of Manassas, Virginia. We visit various other facilities on an irregular basis but Snowden and Learning Services are our regulars. Learning Services is a facility for acquired head trauma victims. Buddy enjoys his one-on-one work with each one of the residents and is very sensitive to their moods and needs. Kim Ward, the resident pictured, enjoys brushing, walking, playing ball and just cuddling Buddy.”

ENTRY 2: “It's a Hard Job, But Someone Has to Do It”
by Pamela Patton of Paradise, PA
Pictured in Photo: An 11-month-young Polar, May 2003

“This is Polar hard at work in his classroom on Friday's with his learning challenged students. Polar is truly a inspiration to have around! He goes to the same school every Friday and works with the eleven children that are in the class. They love him and can't wait for Friday to come.

He lets them read to him, goes to gym class, and also participates with other activities in the classroom. Polar is so excited when we get there that he goes straight to the classroom!

Everyone at the school knows about his special story and I am hoping his talents will truly be able to help many youngsters.”

[Polar is disabled himself, using a specially fitted wheelchair to give him mobility and help him lead a normal puppy life. You can read more about Polar at his very own page by clicking here.]

ENTRY 3: “I'm a Proud PAWS Dog”
by Randa Boyer of Vacaville, CA
Pictured in Photo: A 4-year-young Princess 'Tahoe', May 2003

“This is Tahoe, happily at 'work'. On this day, she did a staff visit. Apparently there had been a death at the facility. We also take care of the staff too. We go to an assisted-living/Alzheimer's patients home. In this particular photo, she couldn't decide if she should speak or lay down, so she did both. By the look on David's (the receptionist) face, she did her job quite well!”

ENTRY 4: “Buddy Cheers Up Staff and Patients At Hospital With A Big Smile”
by Andrea Latham of Woodbridge, CT
Pictured in Photo: A 12-year-young Buddy, May 2003

“The picture is of Buddy at Griffin Hospital after he had finished visiting patients for the day. Buddy comes back to the nurse's station for his payment of biscuits and belly rubs. This picture was taken in September 2002 (Buddy was 12). All the staff members love to have their picture taken with Buddy.”

ENTRY 5: “Make Yourself at Home”
by Julie Burgin of Cedar Rapids, IA
Pictured in Photo: A 10½-year-young Ben, May 2003

“Shoulda Ben Duke UD is a male retired from obedience showing. Ben was about 10 ½ years old when the picture was taken and he is now 11years old. Ben recently received his Therapy Dog International Active certificate for doing 50 visits. Ben goes every Tuesday to either a nursing home or a hospital to do therapy visits. He totally enjoys his work and entertains the people with his enthusiasm. He knows that I bring treats along in my pocket and he doesn’t hesitate to remind me with a woof that I should be dishing out the treats. The people all seems to get a good laugh at Ben’s determination to get a treat and of course many of the people he goes to see want to give him what he is asking for. He also does his “trick” of catching a treat that I drop from my mouth. Everyone seems to love that trick. Ben is loved by all and as we walk the halls of the nursing home you can hear people saying “Hi Ben”.

The lady in this picture is so excited to see Ben each time we visit and she invited him up on her bed and I couldn’t resist taking this picture while he was making himself at home with her. I printed out a copy for her and she has it on her bulletin board above her bed.

Ben loves his job and puts his all in all into giving smiles to all he meets. When we get home he is totally worn out, but I know he would do it all over again in a moments notice. To me this is some of the most precious time I can spend with my best friend.

Ben and I were just at the nursing home this past Tuesday and I mentioned to the lady in the picture about this contest and asked her is she would mind if I used her picture and she was very excited to have me use her picture, in fact she was ready to take the one off her bulletin board for me to use.”

 
ENTRY 6: “TEA TIME WITH DUSTIN”
by Diane Rampelberg of San Jose, CA
Pictured in Photo: A 5-year-young Dustin II,
Canine Companion for Independence Facility Dog, May 2003

“In the classroom Dustin does a variety of commands all designed to bring his special magic to encouraging the children toward their goals and objectives. His gentle urging and unconditional love have motivated some children to say their first words to him. Some have taken their first steps with him. Others have conquered fears.

Dustin encourages expressive/receptive language, motor control, both fine and gross, and socialization. He responds to switch activated speaking devices that allow some children to give him commands. Other children learn to hold/release his leash, as well as coordinating their eyes and limbs when they reach to pet him or take him for a walk. He responds to over twelve commands in sign language allowing hearing impaired children the opportunity to learn to communicate. He sings How Much Is That Doggie In The Window to get a laugh or just a smile. He just plain loves children.

This series of photos were taken at Ms. Ginger Brown's Visually Impaired Class at the Chandler Tripp School in San Jose, CA where Dustin and I have volunteered for the last three and one-half years. Four-year-old Rachel is enjoying Tea Time with her Golden pal.”

Diane formed Dustin's Paw, a non-profit Animal Assisted Therapy organization. You can read about it here in this wonderful Helping Paw article. And, check out this news article here about Dustin and one about Diane here. And, to get Diane's latest Dustin's Paw Newsletter, click here.

ENTRY 7: “Trick or Treat—I Personally Prefer the Treat”
by Beth Grob of West Chester, PA


“Why Can't I Have Another Biscuit—It's Halloween You Know”
by Beth Grob of West Chester, PA
Pictured in both Photos: A 5-year-young Cara
Formally, Marygold's Sweet Carolina CGX TDI, May 2003

“Every other Tuesday night, Cara (Marygold's Sweet Caroline, CGC, TDI) and I visit a nursing home/retirement home for the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters. They absolutely adore Cara and look forward to our bi-weekly visits. The photos show Cara visiting the home at Halloween dressed as a Sorceress—she was quite a big hit.”

ENTRY 8: “Love At First Site”
by Pat Lawson of Chandler, AZ
Pictured in Photo: A 2-year-young Raymond, May 2003

“Below please find a note sent to me by my CCI puppy's new partner in life. I took this photo moments after meeting LaVonne and being reacquainted with 'Raymond' after his six months of formal CCI training. In the 12+ years of raising service puppies, I have never seen such a perfect match like LaVonne and Raymond. Raymond was a very special puppy to raise and had a romance with everyone who met him. It is true . . . Everybody Does Love Raymond!”

Thank you for raising Raymond and training him so well and especially for giving him up—I love him so much I was willing to accept any dog they gave me but I fell in love with only Raymond the first day. They gave me different dogs in the AM and Raymond in the afternoon. There was such a difference—a magic between Raymond and me. He seemed so happy with me and followed my commands more quickly and easily. He'd turn his head toward me and look at me with those beautiful eyes and my heart melted—and still does. Working together just seemed more natural and easier with Raymond. At the beginning of the first week they gave me five different dogs to work with but by the middle, two (Raymond & Jomar)—and on Friday we could write the reasons we wanted a particular dog knowing it was still the trainer's decision. I selected Raymond stating I felt a special connection that made our working together more effective. I am so thankful they felt the same way. Now when I look at the impromptu pictures taken during training—I can see a real sparkle and love in my face when working with Raymond.

The second week was terrifying as we were told no dog assignment was for sure, that they could change dog assignments at any time and we also had to pass all written and practical tests on Friday. The fear of losing a dog you already love made that last week very difficult and scary. I guess I should have had more self confidence but with the decision in someone else's hands, not mine, I feared a broken heart if I did not get to take Raymond home Friday afternoon. I was told I had one of the highest scores ever on the written test, passed the practical and that I would be coming back in six weeks for one whole day to finalize the public certification with the rest of the class. Upon hearing that I was taking Raymond home, I cried with joy and relief. We quickly left the room and I invited Raymond up to my lap and we had the biggest hugging, loving, tearful exchange that was one of the most emotional times of my life. We were finally a team and we were going home together!  ~ LaVonne

ENTRY 9: “Winston’s Friends Take Turns Brushing Him”
by Roberta Cerra of Scranton, PA

“Winston and Friend Smile for the Camera”
by Roberta Cerra of Scranton, PA
Pictured in both Photos: A 5-year-young Winston Churchill Cerra TDIA

“Winston Churchill Cerra TDIA is a 4½-year-old Golden Retriever who has been doing therapy visits in various Nursing homes throughout the Scranton, Pennsylvania area. His main job is at the Outlook Pointe Personal Care Home where Winston attends weekly. In fact, he received the 16 Salutes award on WNEP 16, our local news channel, for his work at Outlook Pointe.

At this home, he cheers the patients with his tricks and works with various residents in fine motor skills by allowing them to pet him, brush him, throw him a ball, or simply give him treats. Winston also brings special guests with him such as Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny to brighten everyone’s day.”

ENTRY 10: “Napsters”
by Judith Jaffe of Chicago, IL
Pictured in Photo: A 2½-year-young Star II, CCI Facility Dog

“I have Star II, the first Facility Dog to work in the Chicago Public Schools. Star, like Dustin, is from Canine Companions for Independence [CCI]. I am a school social worker, and Star has been my co-therapist for the past two years. We also do a weekly reading group, and a ‘Star of the Month’ bulletin board that features kids’ portraits with Star.

This first photo shows Star napping with a student who was having a rough day and needed to settle down.”

“How Long is Star’s Head?”
by Judith Jaffe of Chicago, IL
Pictured in Photo: A 2½-year-young Star II, CCI Facility Dog
“Here is Star participating in a classroom lesson of estimating and measuring.”

 

“Best Buddies”
by Judith Jaffe of Chicago, IL
Pictured in Photo: A 2½-year-young Star II, CCI Facility Dog

“Star has helped this student reduce his fear of medical procedures by being able to visualize her ‘telling him secrets’ (nuzzling his ear). She actually was present at Shriner’s Hospital, accompanying him in the casting room, while he was having his sutures removed following a recent surgery.”

“Most Popular Student”
by Judith Jaffe of Chicago, IL
Pictured in Photo: A 2½-year-young Star II, CCI Facility Dog
“Who is the most popular student you ask? The one with the fur, of course!”

ENTRY 11: “Sampson Gives Back”
by Heather Spencer of Arlington, MA
Pictured in Photo: A 4½-year-young Sampson

“Sampson was abandoned by his previous owner. He spent the summer of 2002 chained to a porch. I saw an ad for him and couldn't resist. I rescued him and trained him to be a therapy dog for The Caring Canines Therapy Dogs. I thought it would be nice if he could share his love with elderly people who might be lonely in nursing homes. After all, Sampson knew what it was like to be lonely. He's very good at his job!”

ENTRY 12: “Elliot and Scarlett Visiting their Great Aunt Regina”
by Maggie McGovern of Brockville, Ontario Canada
Pictured in Photo: A 5-year-young Eliot & 4-year-young Scarlett

“This photo shows Eliot on the left and Scarlett on the right. The lady that they are visiting is my 93 year old aunt. She is a Sister of St. Joseph.” 

“Scarlett & Aunt Regina Visiting a Fellow Nun”
by Maggie McGovern of Brockville, Ontario Canada
Pictured in Photo: A 4-year-young Scarlett

“The photo shows my aunt visiting a fellow sister, whom is now deceased, with Scarlett. Sister Regina, who is 93 called and asked me to bring the dogs along to visit this Sister. Obviously, Aunt Regina knows the value of Therapy Dogs!”

ENTRY 13: “A Truly Gentle Golden Girl”
by Diane Mech of Elgin, IL
Pictured in Photo: A 5-year-young Breeze

“Breeze is a wonderfully sweet tempered gentle 5-year-old Golden who has found her calling. Her full name is Sunny's Sea Breeze. She is a wonderful therapy dog as well as a faithful companion and an excellent Obedience dog. Breeze has completed her training through open class and is an excellent mother to 29 pups who have almost all carried out her legacy of being patient and kind. Now that she is retired we are working for her CD and CDX as well as her CGC and her TDI. Breeze like most therapy dogs know what her job is and when to do it with Breeze though she does her job 24/7 without a word said to her. If she senses you or someone else is upset or lonely she will come right up to you and wait for you to acknowledge her. She is never pushy or impatient.

Breeze's unbelievably gentle temperament is why my kennel is named after her because every time someone new walked in the door Breeze would walk up to the door with a gentle tail wag and sit down in front of them and wait to be acknowledged, never running or barging her way in and never jumping up on folks unless she is called up. When we go visit the nursing homes or daycares, she is always ready to do her job. She always seems to find the one who needs the attention and loves the most to give it to. She slowly walks up to them and gentle places her head under their hand and waits.

When my grandmother was passing away she was great comfort to myself as well as many of our family members and she was always welcome to visit the ICU at the hospital that my grandmother was in as well as the CICU. All of the patients on the floor loved her visits as she went to visit everyone on the floor as well as all of the patients and visitors in the halls on the way to the floor. And they all said the same thing, “She is SO gentle.” Breeze truly is 100% Golden and is held very dear to my heart as well as many other hearts that she has touched.

In this picture you can see just how patient and gentle she is as she is being hugged by a 11-month-old little girl.”

“My Backpack is Never too Heavy when I'm Carrying Love!”
by Marti Brown of Virginia Beach, VA
Pictured in Photo: A 5-year-young Carly

“Below are photos of Carly visiting friends at Harbour Pointe Medical and Rehabilitation Center. She was visiting on Mother's Day, carrying gifts in her backpack. Carly isn't a trained therapy dog, but my how she loves going to visit the Rehab center. She always get that look on her face where she is smiling. I think she loves it just as much or more than the people there. I also wanted to send you a picture of Carly and a woman named Stella, but sadly she passed away several months ago. There wasn't a day when I would go to the Rehab center to visit my mom when she was there (3½ years) that Stella wouldn't give Carly a big ole smile and say how's my Carly girl. Sometimes she just wanted to hold her leash and she always gave her big hugs and kisses. She also had pictures of her and Carly on the wall in her room. Even now when we go visit, Carly looks for her, and I know Carly misses her as much as I do. She was such a caring and loving person and she made a difference not only in Carly's life but in mine too. She taught us what sharing your love is all about, by sharing hers. She was Carly's best friend at the Harbour Pointe Rehab center. I truly believe whether we realize it or not we all make a difference in someone else's life.”

ENTRY 14: “Hey—She is Feeding the Birds but What About Me?”
by Marti Brown of Virginia Beach, VA
Pictured in Photo: A 5-year-young Carly
“Here is Carly with Faye who loves to go out and throw bread around her wheelchair so the birds will come close to her.”

“Sharing the Love”
by Marti Brown of Virginia Beach, VA
Pictured in Photo: A 5-year-young Carly

“Gee—I Love it Here!”
by Marti Brown of Virginia Beach, VA
Pictured in Photo: A 5-year-young Carly
“Here is Golden girl Carly with her buddy Margaret Lee.”

“Carly and Stella”
by Marti Brown of Virginia Beach, VA
Pictured in Photo: A 5-year-young Carly

ENTRY 15: “A Visit from Tinkerbell”
by Carolyn Kreider of Wadsworth, OH
Pictured in Photo: A 2-year-young Libby

“Libby was two years of age in this photo, although now deceased, she would have been twelve now. She wore her tutu, pink angel wings, and little antennas with pride. She was a scheduled volunteer as a pet therapist at the Magnolia Care Center. She also did visits at Elder Care - both in Wadsworth, Ohio. We found Libby in a ditch, but she was invaluable to us and to everyone who met her. She led me through the nursing home, knowing better than I who needed her the most. The residents loved her, and anxiously awaited her visits. She was never trained for her job, nor was she given a job description, but no one could have handled it with more ease or skill.

My favorite story, was from one of our visits to Magnolia. We were walking down one of the hallways, and an elderly gentleman was sitting in a wheelchair outside of his room. I spoke to him as we approached, but he was staring ahead and seemed lost to the world around him. She pulled to go to him, and I gently coaxed her to move on. She insisted that we go to him, and upon reaching him, gently nudged her head under his arm, and holding very still, waited patiently - her body motionless, except for the ever-wagging tail. I told her that she was a good girl and to tell him we would see him on our next visit. My charming little therapist set her paws firmly and let me know that she wasn't going anywhere. As I waited, not wanting to cause a scene by forcing her, he slowly raised his hand, and his old fingers began to move through her silky coat. She looked at me with her best “I told you so” face, and when I looked into his face, I found that his blank stare had been replaced with a soft smile. I never doubted her again.

She was always in her various costumes, and was invited to all of the parties and celebrations. We even got a call once to come for a lady resident whose entire family was coming in - from as far as 1,000 miles away. They were to have a family photo taken that day, and she said that Libby had to be there - after all she was that dear lady's family here.

We are now blessed with a 6-month-old Golden boy that is also a rescued Golden. We are hoping that he will somehow exhibit the same loving tendencies that she possessed. She is now our angel caring for us from the Rainbow Bridge. We miss you, Libby Doll.”

ENTRY 16: “Love of a Red Dog”
by George Collins of Valley Village, CA
Pictured in Photo: A 6-year-young Casey

“I adopted Casey on Thanksgiving Day 2002. He lived out on a farm in rural Riverside County and his favorite past time was picking apples off the trees and chasing the squirrels away. Because of his gentle nature I knew he would make an excellent therapy animal. He is the kindest and most affectionate dog I have ever known. We have been doing therapy work since June of 2003. He has many fans among the senior residents at a local nursing home. The photo shows him doing what he does best. I call it snuggle therapy.”

ENTRY 17: “Let's Party”
by Teri Wilson of San Antonio, TX
Pictured in Photo: A 2-year-young Nellie,
C.G.C. & Certified Therapy Dog with Paws for Service ministry in San Antonio, TX

“My beautiful Golden, Nellie, is a certified therapy dog with Paws for Service in San Antonio, Texas. We visit elderly residents at Esplanade Gardens Assisted Living facility every Wednesday and sick children at Santa Rosa Children's Hospital every Friday. The attached photo was taken at a volunteer appreciation party held at Esplanade Gardens last month. The residents there are so sweet and Nellie looks forward to visiting them every week. We have visited many people all over the city since her certification as a therapy dog last October, but the residents at Esplanade Gardens are her favorite. I am sure that the feeling is mutual since this month the facility has adopted a Golden of their very own!”

ENTRY 18: “Sammy the Pup to the Rescue”
by D. Mark Prevoznik of Broadview Heights, OH
Pictured in Photo: A 7-week-young Sammy

“Sammy helps Stephen (pictured) who is now six-years-old. Stephen was a premiture baby born at 30 weeks and suffered a level two brain hemorrhage. Sammy will help Stephen develop the gross and fine motor skills needed to succeed in life. Sammy walks to the bus stop every morning with Stephen and can't wait until he returns. Sammy has also been to Stephen's school to play with other children who could benefit from walking him.”

ENTRY 19: “Bob Smiling at a Friend”
by Cheryl Olvera of Fremont, CA
Pictured in Photo: A 6-year-young Bob Gates

“Bob Gates started visiting an assisted living facility a couple of months ago through the Ohlone Humane Society in Fremont, California. He sees many Alzheimer's patients who tell him what a nice boy he is. Bob makes sure to check in at the receptionist's desk to tell her hello and then steps in and does the rounds with the director and other staff.

He knows the way to the areas where the residents gather and pulls me down the hall to see his friends. He knows instinctively to be gentle with his friends. He even knows to not go up to the people who do not like dogs (which is not very many people).

He is happy when the people he is visiting smile at him — and of course happier when they pet him. Sometimes he gets so relaxed he'll plant himself and lay at the feet of whoever is petting him.

I always thought he would be good at visiting older people. Two of his best girlfriends that he sees at the lake where we walk every morning (Lake Elizabeth) have walkers. The first thing he does at the lake is drag me to a table where several retired people meet to say hello. The people all call out Bob — it reminds me of Norm! on Cheers.”

ENTRY 20: “A New Way to Clean Your Ears”
by Kathleen Egan of Sturbridge, MA
Pictured in Photo: A 1-year-young Riley

“Prior to her passing, my grandmother loved to have me and my sister bring Riley for a visit. It was amazing to watch the interaction between Riley and all of the elderly patients at my grandmother's nursing home. This shows a day when my sister, Riley and I were walking with my grandmother.”

ENTRY 21: “Love and Devotion”
by Peggy Zionts of Apex, NC
Pictured in Photo: A 9-year-young Llanfair Playmaker “Biscuit”

“This person has been featured in several ads with Biscuit. Biscuit worked at Duke Medical Center in Adult & Pediatric Oncology, Rex Nursing Care Center of Apex and after 9/11, we made the trip to New York City to volunteer Thanksgiving in the Family Center. This picture was taken just days before he passed away of hermangiosarcoma. He had visited Rex every Tuesday for two years and continued to do so even after his diagnosis. I work there and he spent every day in my office with me until he made his final rounds to say good-bye the day before he expired.”

ENTRY 22: “Joy that Only a Golden Puppy Can Bring”
by Cindy Oates of Southlake, TX
Pictured in Photo: A 10-week-young Beecher

“Golden Kisses”
by Cindy Oates of Southlake, TX
Pictured in Photo: A 7-month-young Beecher

“My puppy Beecher is in training to become a therapy dog and has been since eight weeks of age. He is shown here with an elderly couple at their retirement home. His big brother, Emmitt, worked as a therapy dog for over seven years, sadly passing away in April 2004. Beecher is a very special puppy and is already following in Emmitt’s big paw prints.

Beecher was named after Matthew Williamson Beecher McCord of Lubbock, Texas (shown here), who was only 22 years old when he was tragically killed in a car accident in May 2001.  He had just graduated cum laude from Texas Tech University one week earlier with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Sadly, Matthew's Golden Retriever, Bear, also went to The Bridge not long after. Matthew had made it known to his family that if anything ever happened to him that he wanted to have his organs donated so that others could live. My husband Richard, suffering from Hepatitis C, had been on a transplant list for a year when he received Matthew’s liver. Near death at the time of the transplant, this generous act will add several years to his life that he would not have otherwise had. So, every day we have together is a bonus because of Matthew McCord.

Having said all of that, Beecher McCord has a special mission in life. Everyone wants to know where his name came from so we get to tell Matthew’s story and talk about organ donation whenever asked. Matthew’s mother’s greatest hope is that her son will never be forgotten and we want to help make that happen. What better way than to name our special puppy in honor of her special son and visit hospitals and nursing homes and tell his story.

Beecher seems to sense his mission in life and has the perfect temperament to continue on in Emmitt’s big paw prints and become a rock solid therapy dog. He will be certified as a therapy dog when he turns one year old on March 20, 2005. Thank you, Matthew, for giving us such a wonderful and meaningful mission in life.”

Matthew felt very strongly about organ donation. He actually donated a lung, his pancreas, his kidneys, his liver and his heart. For further information about the ability to donate life through organ donation, please click here. And, to learn more about this incredible tale, click here to read the news article, Young man's death gives another life.

ENTRY 23: “A Labor of TRUE LOVE”
by Lisa Poslock of Reading, PA
Pictured in Photo: An 18-year-young Boone
“Here is Pappy Boone (Date of Birth: January 27,1987) comforting Emily, a nursing home resident who is 101 yrs old!”

ENTRY 24: “The Love of my Life”
by Kristi Elliott of Irvine, CA
Pictured in Photo: An 8-year-young Hassie
“Hassie had just picked up a remote and was posing proudly for her fans.”