Page 49 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2022 - Online Magazine

OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE

profound brightening of Hallmark Channel. We are members of the
their attitude. Samson Alliance of Therapy Dogs, where I am a
brings not just good vibes Tester/Observer. Buddy Holly has logged
but ‘God vibes’ in his over 350+ visits.”
unique way.”
After earning numerous titles, Regina
Marilyn Fish recounts Edward’s Collie named Bree-z is now
becoming a Pet Therapist focusing on just “being there” for people
over ten years ago. “Sophie in need. They became certified as a
(Shih Tzu) and I have gone Therapy Team with American Therapy
to hospitals, cancer centers, Dogs, and they seem to have a “sixth
and elderly communities. sense” that kicks in when necessary.
Sophie is also a reading “Recently, we visited a care center, and the
dog. Addie came along, Angie Wilkins with Luke and Tripp, Marilyn Fish with staff mentioned that a patient had fallen
and now I take turns Addie and Sophie but seemed ok. They didn’t see outward
visiting hospice patients signs of injury. Bree-z wouldn’t leave
with them. The blessings from visits go both ways: You her side, kept nuzzling and acting worried. I read her
never truly fathom the joy a simple visit gives until concern and relayed it to staff. Later, we learned that
you run across a person who remembers you and how they called an ambulance due to the lady’s untreated
you impacted them. These are cherished ‘full-circle internal
moments’.” bleeding.”

Angie Wilkins says, “Tripp sure brightens the room “Fur angels”
with his ‘happy wiggle’. We became a Pet Therapy are making
team after a customer and his daughter recounted how a difference.
she was born with a traumatic brain injury and was Let’s hear it for
hospitalized for nearly a year. When the staff brought their bravery,
therapy dogs to her, she smiled for the very first time. patience, and
love as these
Lee Larimore states, “My dog’s name is Nemo, and I teams continue
was eager to make him a therapy dog. He was born to serve in our
with a gimp leg, and I knew others would appreciate community!
seeing how well he gets around. We’ve gone to a
fire station, and a pediatric dentist’s office. We often
visit the hospital Business and IT departments. The
employees light up, and he gets a big kick out of it, too. Cathy "CJ" Jacobs with “Buddy Holly” and Regina
When the employees have rough days, they say how Edwards with “Bree-z”
they cope better with some ‘Nemo love’.”

Cathy Jacobs states, “My Japanese Chin, Buddy Holly,
was a rescue and is over ten years old. He’s gentle, Medicare Supplements
talented, loving, and will work for food! He received
his Excellent Therapy Dog title with AKC and serves
at hospitals in Lockney, Lubbock, and Plainview. We David B. Lewallen
participate in the ‘Read with Me’ program at Silverton independent agent
ISD, visit nursing homes, and love to freestyle dance
with Ruff Rockers and Prancing Paws. Buddy has been 2815 74th St P.O. Box 53957
nominated two years in a row for the Top Therapy lubbock, texas 79423 lubbock, texas 79453
Dog, sponsored by American Humane Association and (806) 792-7510 fax (806) 799-8153

Doing business locally for over 38 years
Lubbock Senior Link 49