I get to meet a lot of really nice people – and dogs – as a therapy dog evaluator for Bright Spot Therapy Dogs, Inc. It was actually years before I founded Bright Spot – while I was the volunteer coordinator for the MSPCA’s Pet Visitation Program back in 1997 – that I met Denise. Denise is not just a doglover – she has lots of different animals and, of course, several dogs. Aside from doing therapy dog visiting with one of her dogs, she trains dogs to be seeing-eye dogs. Denise had come to me to have one of her dogs evaluated to be a therapy dog. I knew right away that she was a very caring person; loving animals and caring deeply for people. As I got to know Denise, I found out that on Christmas Day, she would leave her family at home and go to the nursing home she visited on a regular basis – to make a special visit to everyone there on a day that might not be so special for them being away from friends and family. I was concerned that they might not have any visitors on Christmas and they love seeing the dog, she told me. Denise has moved away from the area and is now living in New Jersey – living on a mini-farm perfect for her animals. I have no doubt she is doing many kindnesses for both animals and people in her new hometown – and will be remembering those in need on Christmas Day.
Cynthia, thank yo for telling me about your blog. I’ll add it to my “must see” each day. Hope to see you again this coming year!!
Hi Ruth – so good to hear from you. I hope you’re continuing to follow my daily posts and find them interesting.