Lizzie Dele | Shih Tzu Mix | August 2023 |
Lucy | Golden Retriever | 12 years, 4 months,30 days |
Alex | Greyhound | May 1, 2023 |
Sadie | Greyhound | December 9, 2021 |
Nash | Rhodesian Ridgeback | December 4, 2021 |
Buddy | German Shepherd | September 22, 2021 |
Parker | Whippet | June 29, 2020 |
Guinness | Border Collie Mix | November 10, 2019 |
Forrest | Greyhound | May 1, 2016 |
Tabitha | Poodle | April 30, 2016 |
Chance | Golden Retriever | December 13, 2014 |
Rocky | Golden Retriever | November 1, 2002 |
Molly | Gaffneyhound | 2004 |
Oban | Boxer | August 18, 2011 |
TBoy | Greyhound | May 4, 2010 |
Kansas | Greyhound | March 14, 2006 |
My heart broke on March 14th, 2006 the day my greyhound girl "Kansas" crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
Anyone who knows me is aware of how much I loved her. Her companionship helped me get through my breast cancer treatment. When I was fatigued she would lie close to me & keep watch. When I needed to be cheered up she would entertain me with her toys and insist that I pet her. Which always made me feel better. I am very proud of Kansas’s involvement with the Visiting Pet Program. I’m so appreciative that she had the chance to cheer up the elderly in nursing homes and help the kids at Reading to Rover. These are very special memories. Losing her was so painful, but I remain grateful that she was in my life for 7 years. As every other pet lover knows, our animals will be with us for a short time. The love and companionship Kansas gave to me during these years more than makes up for the loss I felt when she died. I know that Kansas is at peace and running with the other greyhounds in doggy heaven. I will cherish my memories of our time together and know the pain will lessen over time. - Claire Sommers |
Molly Gaffney...1987-2004 Active volunteer with the Visiting Pet Program 1991-2002 She was my first therapy dog, and an accidental one at that. She ultimately proved to be the consummate professional, a role model for other therapy dogs. Please enjoy her story and know that she is smiling down on all the VPP pets that followed her. Click here for Molly's story. - Lee Gaffney |
Rocky Dolese...November 1, 2002
Rocky enjoyed his monthly convalescent home visits but loved to visit with special needs children. In 2002 I was asked to visit with Rocky during the summer with children at the Sensory Intervention camp of the ARC. We worked with an occupational therapist and young children with Down syndrome and autism. Rocky worked out so well we were asked to come back during the regular sessions with the children. It was amazing how Rocky brought out emotions in these children. One of the fathers noticed so much advancement is his son he brought his son a Golden Retriever. He participated in special summers camps in St. Bernard Parish for special needs children and young adults. We also did a career day explaining how dogs are used in a pet therapy program to teach sensory intervention and how psychologists use these types of animals when working with children and adults that have been bitten by dogs. Rocky visited Maison Hospitale convalescent is the French Quarter until he passed away. The picture includes one of his regular VPP visiting partners, Max a Doberman Pincher. These two huge dogs would get into this small elevator to move around the facility. Being such large breeds, the residents just loved them. - Jill Dolese |