In Memoriam

Paugan – Paugan was an energetic Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever; not your usual, placid therapy dog. His work in The Rehabilitation Centre in Ottawa was good match for his personality and talents. For nearly three years, Paugan accompanied me to work on Fridays and assists men and women who have had a stroke and, as a result, have severe communication difficulties. [more...]
Ruby – Ruby, my black lab (the one with headlights & sugar lips) and I began our therapy dog work in 1995 when she was just past her first birthday. My nursing background and her unflappability suited us to working in hospitals. Her brother Jet joined the team some years later and works in animal assisted activities visiting in long-term care areas. [more...]
Hero – Hero started life as a show dog. At age 5 ½, his show days were over and he was to be destroyed. A Siberian Husky rescue organization grabbed him and he lived in a shelter for 2 ½ years until I found him. The therapy visits probably did as much good for Hero as they did for the folks we visited. Hero was great at his job, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have shared this wonderful guy with others. He really is my Hero. [more...]
Chelsea – Chelsea was eight years old by the time she started doing therapy work. What a difference it made for her! She learned the word 'work' right away and the question: "Do you want to go to work?" would get her very excited as she danced to the hall closet to await her 'uniform' and leash. [more...]
Sasha – Sasha was adopted as a 9-month old rescue through the American Belgian Malinois Club. Once a fairly timid little gal, she immediately excelled at obedience training, then thrived in agility. That being said, Sasha was usually most interested in one thing: simply giving and getting attention to and from anyone willing to share. [more...]
Chelsea – Chelsea loved her work at Briargreen Public School where she listened to children read and comforted them when they were sad. Her time spent with autistic and other special need students made a significant difference in their school experience. [more...]
Barnabas – Barnabas shall be missed by everyone. His memory will never be abandoned as he touched every one who met him. [more...]