Diane Pennington, Director of NY's H.A.R.T. Programs sent us this tribute on March 27, 2001.

My Katie was a therapy dog who got her certification at the age of eight. Because I have trained and helped certify many many teams since then, I realize how very special she was. I also was privileged to be with her when she took her last breath on October 4, 1998. She had fallen ill (or at least showed her symptoms) suddenly and passed within a few days. In fact, it was early on the morning I was to have our vet come to us to help her pass that she died. I think she knew I was having a terrible time deciding the right time, and in one final act of caring for others, she relieved me of the choice.
   
I wrote a short piece about Katie in July 1996 (which follows), talking about one experience we had working in a locked psych facility in Manhattan. I think of her very often and am so grateful that she came into my life. The day before Katie died was a beautiful Golden October day. We were sitting together in her favorite spot next to the lake on which I lived.

In Tribute
Katie is a very special creature, with Golden red fur and warm, gentle brown eyes. She’s my partner . . . a ten-year-old Golden Retriever with an irresistible personality. As a team, we have been volunteers doing Pet-assisted therapy and activities for the past three years. I started out wondering how I could be of help to the “populations” we visit. Now, I simply focus on being aware and staying out of Katie’s way as she makes her unique connection with each person she encounters.
   
The “work” is all hers. Katie’s own special powers of healing can soothe or motivate and communicate in a way that makes my human speech seem clumsy, limited. Her presence is powerful in its acceptance, non-judgement, intuitiveness and eagerness to meet (and be touched by!) anyone — regardless of their appearance, color or social status. In that way, she constantly challenges me in my abilities to do the same.
   
Our society is quickly becoming aware of animal-assisted therapy/activity programs through groups such as the Delta society, plus other regional or local groups involved in this work. Katie and I are part of both national and local groups. Current research is confirming how petting animals can lower blood pressure, but further study is being done to measure the effects on the immune system and recovery rates. We even know how service animals daily perform simple or heroic acts, but that doesn’t even scratch the surface.
   
I’ve seen people transformed to become open and vulnerable with Katie in a way they’d not likely respond to another human. One woman we used to visit on a regular basis in a mental health facility, suffered from severe depression and was often withdrawn for long periods of time. Katie was undaunted in the face of such pain, and instead took on just the right qualities to bring her out.
   
On one particular visit, Katie and I respectfully approached her as usual to say hello. She was quiet, detached and didn’t appear to want to speak to us, so we moved on. Later, we came by again This time, Katie instinctively sat at her feet, watching and waiting for a response.
   
When the woman did look at her, she began to wag her tail and smile her open-mouthed “smile”. She leaned against her leg, nuzzling her nose under the woman’s hand, gently nudging and inviting her to stroke Katie’s head. Within a few minutes, Katie was lying next to her on the seat, belly-up as she accepted the rubbing and patting — and the woman gradually blossomed, even smiled. She began talking about her life while Katie remained there simply being and creating a welcoming “space”.
   
Now, this may seem simplistic, just a “warm fuzzy”, nothing really significant, but I know better. Even though our friend was severely depressed (and probably highly medicated), Katie was able to motivate her to focus, to become lucid enough to connect and even communicate. She was able to get past her sadness and withdrawal long enough to speak with those around her, a significant accomplishment, according to staff.
   
Katie’s work with our “clients” is profound. She creates a safe, warm and healing connection with adults and children. She intuitively knows what each needs, enthusiastically gives of her energies, and stays until the work is done. Even though that is simple, what she is able to give to them, within a space of unconditional acceptance, is astounding. And others receive this easily from her, whereas they may not be able to receive the same from me, or others around them.
   
Many ancient cultures have long recognized the value of animals, and the special gifts they bring us. Those who have had the blessing of an animal in their lives — from an encounter in the wild, to a cherished pet or even service animal — know by experience what they can do. More than just a change in blood pressure or a momentary distraction from stress, their impact can be life-changing if we are listening and watching for the lessons they offer us.
   
My Katie is a pure, loving, gentle-spirit who offers joy and comfort to everyone she touches. As I write this, Katie is bringing me her healing presence.   Today, I got the news that one of the pet-assisted therapy teams we have worked with for the past two years, Judy Yee and her partner, Max, were on board TWA flight 800 that went down earlier this week. I have felt for the families and friends as I followed the story in the news. Now, it is not “them” but “we” who have lost someone in this terrible tragedy.
   
Katie came to me as I cried and watched the news in shock, looking into my eyes and urging me to stroke her head as I’ve seen her do for others so many times. Jesse, my German Shepherd, also rallied to my side, licking my tears from my face, anxious over my grief.
   
I can’t think of a better way to offer tribute to Judy and Max than to share with you about these wonderful animals and the way they are truly changing lives. Judy and Max will be remembered by all of us who worked with and loved her. I know the lives they touched are more whole for having known them both.
   
I feel a certain comfort knowing that Judy had Max there with her, and that they remain partners, even in death.
   
I know Judy was grateful to have Max in her life, just as I’m grateful to have Katie and Jesse here with me, working their healing magic for me tonight.