It’s pretty amazing to be at the Soldiers Home in Holyoke, Massachusetts, on a Saturday afternoon when a dozen or so Bright Spot Therapy Dogs gather in the lobby to visit with the residents.
It’s SO MUCH FUN for everyone. Laughter, smiles, jokes, and all sorts of conversation are at a high as the Therapy Dogs and their handlers fan out in all directions to cover every area of the massive facility that sits atop a hill and can be seen by motorists passing by on Interstate I-91.
Everyone knows to expect the dogs on the third Saturday of the month. It has become a tradition that started up in January 2014. If the Therapy Dogs haven’t found them, they find the dogs.
King and I almost missed a visit with our new friend Joseph. He’s usually stationed in the Canteen waiting for King’s arrival. As we were just about to leave, after visiting for an hour-and-a-half, Joseph appeared out of nowhere. I knew you were here. I spotted you all the way down the hall. We, of course, stopped and had a grand chat. Joseph had had an English Setter when he was a young man. He has become very attached to King. As we parted, we assured Joseph we would be back on the 3rd Saturday in April. And, so will a whole bunch more of our Bright Spot Therapy Dogs, all decked out in their bright blue Therapy Dog vests. The dogs and their teammates enjoy this special time as much as the residents do!