Stories

My most heartwarming moment came at the end of the day when most folks had left the festival. A father brought his two young sons to the Pet Partners booth. The boys were probably 4 and 6 years old and very afraid of dogs. The father patiently talked to the boys and engaged therapy animal handler Angela in conversation about her dog, Teddy, a cavalier King Charles spaniel. Angela is a teacher and she knew just how to engage and assuage the children's fears.

Time after time, I watch this amazing dog do her job. She naturally senses what people need and effortlessly provides it. From infants to children to adults to individuals in their advanced years with memory deficits; from critically ill patients to those ready to go home; from hospital staff to first responders, Abbey effortlessly provides what they need. Watching her work frequently gives me the chills and always makes my heart burst with incredible pride.

Besides slowly going back into facilities, we have paired up with Guide Dogs of America to help them raise their puppies.

It has been an amazing experience! Administration has said that it really helped with the stress. Even now, in May, they are still so excited to see the horses.

Thank you my Sweetie Pie for being beside me.

Thanks Pet Partners for giving us the tools we needed to experience such a rewarding opportunity!

Today, though, I freely give of myself to those who heal but are in need of healing themselves—those who reach out but cannot touch. But they can touch me. And for a moment, I can heal them.

They loved being able to see Chance and they enjoyed knowing we still loved them and supported them. They said we were a wonderful stress relief through a very tough time.

I think if people can see that [working with a therapy cat] isn’t that difficult and is so worthwhile, more people might take the chance and do it.