Rosie
Rosie, beloved therapy and reading companion to Susie Atcheson.
11-7-14 to 8-7-23
Rosie was a wonderful companion and therapy dog. She was my 3rd therapy dog and my 6th Golden Retriever that I had owned. Rosie enjoyed her readers at the library and she enjoyed going to see the patients at the nursing home. She was a part of the Douglas County Juvenile Court Therapy dogs and she brought so much comfort to those children. She participated in many school activities, including READ Across America nights, greeting children in the morning the day of testing and many health and wellness activities.
She did whatever I asked of her, always with a wag of her tail! She was a beautiful and happy dog. She was taken from me way too soon but I will never forget her. Rest in peace my sweet girl.
We miss you, Sweet Rosie! You've left big paws to fill!
11-7-14 to 8-7-23
Rosie was a wonderful companion and therapy dog. She was my 3rd therapy dog and my 6th Golden Retriever that I had owned. Rosie enjoyed her readers at the library and she enjoyed going to see the patients at the nursing home. She was a part of the Douglas County Juvenile Court Therapy dogs and she brought so much comfort to those children. She participated in many school activities, including READ Across America nights, greeting children in the morning the day of testing and many health and wellness activities.
She did whatever I asked of her, always with a wag of her tail! She was a beautiful and happy dog. She was taken from me way too soon but I will never forget her. Rest in peace my sweet girl.
We miss you, Sweet Rosie! You've left big paws to fill!
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shadow
Shadow Krause March 14, 2005-July 13, 2023
Shadow, beloved therapy and reading partner to Pat Krause.
My beloved poodle Shadow, loved his calling to be a therapy dog and served in this role for 16 years. Each time Shadow was recertified through Pet Partners he received the highest rating which was Complex. He was the epitome of what a therapy dog should be. Shadow visited patients in hospitals and hospice. He visited residents in nursing homes and assisted living and Alzheimer Units. Shadow helped patients in Rehabilitation Units as they tried to regain their ability to walk again after a stroke. Shadow was part of a team in the annual walk to end Alzheimer’s.
One of Shadow’s favorite duties was being part of the CAREing Paws R.E.A.D. program. He loved working with the students. He was instrumental in helping them improve their reading skills and learn to love reading. He worked with the physically and mentally disabled students which included those with autism at the Vocational Unit in Warm Springs, Georgia. Shadow also worked at the Autistic Learning Center in Columbus, Georgia with the younger children and their families. Some of these students could not speak or had to learn fundamental lessons of basic body parts and texture and color.
Through his gentle and patient demeanor, fear of the presence of a dog was alleviated; hugs replaced fear. Shadow loved his students in the elementary classrooms and was sensitive to his students’ needs. He listened attentively to their reading and was available for hugs when they felt insecure. Shadow demonstrated the importance of all therapy dogs by being part of the presentations provided to the recreational Therapy students at the East Alabama University.
Shadow was dedicated and loyal to his calling and he was my rock in challenging times in my life. Always my Shadow. I love him so much. He left an indelible mark on many hearts before he crossed over the Rainbow bridge and will be forever loved and missed.
Shadow, beloved therapy and reading partner to Pat Krause.
My beloved poodle Shadow, loved his calling to be a therapy dog and served in this role for 16 years. Each time Shadow was recertified through Pet Partners he received the highest rating which was Complex. He was the epitome of what a therapy dog should be. Shadow visited patients in hospitals and hospice. He visited residents in nursing homes and assisted living and Alzheimer Units. Shadow helped patients in Rehabilitation Units as they tried to regain their ability to walk again after a stroke. Shadow was part of a team in the annual walk to end Alzheimer’s.
One of Shadow’s favorite duties was being part of the CAREing Paws R.E.A.D. program. He loved working with the students. He was instrumental in helping them improve their reading skills and learn to love reading. He worked with the physically and mentally disabled students which included those with autism at the Vocational Unit in Warm Springs, Georgia. Shadow also worked at the Autistic Learning Center in Columbus, Georgia with the younger children and their families. Some of these students could not speak or had to learn fundamental lessons of basic body parts and texture and color.
Through his gentle and patient demeanor, fear of the presence of a dog was alleviated; hugs replaced fear. Shadow loved his students in the elementary classrooms and was sensitive to his students’ needs. He listened attentively to their reading and was available for hugs when they felt insecure. Shadow demonstrated the importance of all therapy dogs by being part of the presentations provided to the recreational Therapy students at the East Alabama University.
Shadow was dedicated and loyal to his calling and he was my rock in challenging times in my life. Always my Shadow. I love him so much. He left an indelible mark on many hearts before he crossed over the Rainbow bridge and will be forever loved and missed.
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zoo aka zooindo
This sweet tribute to Zoo was written by her Mama/ handler, Marty Landsiedel.
4-17-09 to 5-15-23
Zoo came to me as a foster dog in July of 2016 and I adopted her in August 2016. (It didn’t take me long to realize what a gem she was!) She came into my home and made herself comfortable in one of the dog beds in my living room. She never ran around inspecting everything like most new dogs do, I guess she knew that this was her home. In addition to being a sweet, loving girl, she was the most confident greyhound I have ever had. Nothing bothered her she was “bomb proof”.
Zoo was a retired racing greyhound, having raced in 124 races. Her last race was in May 2013. She then went to a farm where she was to be bred, but due to some medical issues, that never happened. She stayed on the farm until the owners decided to close. They then contacted Southeastern Greyhound Adoptions to see if they could take some of their dogs. Fortunately, for me, they were able to take in 2 of the dogs. The rest is history – she came to me and in December of 2016, she became a therapy dog with CAREing Paws.
Zoo had many therapy visits - hospitals, schools, assisted living homes, adult day cares, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and rehab hospitals. She never met a stranger and loved going up to everyone for attention and pets. One of the most memorable visits she had was at our local hospital. We were headed to the ICU department and were passing the visiting family room, where we don’t normally go, but Zoo had other plans in mind. She made a right hand turn and straight to an elderly lady who was sitting, weeping, surrounded by family. Zoo put her head in the lady’s lap and just stood there. The lady started stroking her head, loving on her. Soon the rest of the family joined in. We then found out that the lady’s husband had just passed away. It was such a touching sight. Zoo knew where she was needed and did her best to give comfort and love.
Zoo retired in May 2022 when she let me know that it was now time for her permanent retirement to begin.
Rest in peace and pain free my sweet girl, Mama loves you.
Zoo, you were The Best girl, and we miss you everyday. Thank you for your wisdom!
4-17-09 to 5-15-23
Zoo came to me as a foster dog in July of 2016 and I adopted her in August 2016. (It didn’t take me long to realize what a gem she was!) She came into my home and made herself comfortable in one of the dog beds in my living room. She never ran around inspecting everything like most new dogs do, I guess she knew that this was her home. In addition to being a sweet, loving girl, she was the most confident greyhound I have ever had. Nothing bothered her she was “bomb proof”.
Zoo was a retired racing greyhound, having raced in 124 races. Her last race was in May 2013. She then went to a farm where she was to be bred, but due to some medical issues, that never happened. She stayed on the farm until the owners decided to close. They then contacted Southeastern Greyhound Adoptions to see if they could take some of their dogs. Fortunately, for me, they were able to take in 2 of the dogs. The rest is history – she came to me and in December of 2016, she became a therapy dog with CAREing Paws.
Zoo had many therapy visits - hospitals, schools, assisted living homes, adult day cares, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and rehab hospitals. She never met a stranger and loved going up to everyone for attention and pets. One of the most memorable visits she had was at our local hospital. We were headed to the ICU department and were passing the visiting family room, where we don’t normally go, but Zoo had other plans in mind. She made a right hand turn and straight to an elderly lady who was sitting, weeping, surrounded by family. Zoo put her head in the lady’s lap and just stood there. The lady started stroking her head, loving on her. Soon the rest of the family joined in. We then found out that the lady’s husband had just passed away. It was such a touching sight. Zoo knew where she was needed and did her best to give comfort and love.
Zoo retired in May 2022 when she let me know that it was now time for her permanent retirement to begin.
Rest in peace and pain free my sweet girl, Mama loves you.
Zoo, you were The Best girl, and we miss you everyday. Thank you for your wisdom!
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dreamy
This sweet tribute to Dreamy was written by her mom/ handler, Jan McAfee.
January 13, 2008 - May 15, 2023
I got Dreamy as a two-year-old from a schipperke breeder in 2010. She had decided not to use her in her breeding program. She thought she would make a good agility dog, but Dreamy had other plans!
Dreamy had a little basic show dog training, but needed more. We once tried traditional training, but on the heel around the room exercise, she would stop at every lap on the row of spectators. That was my first hint at what she really wanted to be doing.
When Dreamy was five, we found a more positive based training class. She still didn’t care much about the training, but when we took breaks, instead of playing with the other dogs, she visited with all the handlers. At that point, I could no longer ignore her calling. When the trainer offered a therapy dog class, I knew we were on the right path. I taught myself clicker training to get the obedience down. She passed the therapy dog class and the testing like a champ!
Over the years, we did nursing homes, college exam stress relief, R.E.A.D at the local library, a local psychiatric and addiction facility, children’s camps, the Atlanta Jackson-Hartsfield airport, the local hospital, senior activity centers, and hospice. The hospice visit was one of the most memorable. We were heading up to the resident’s room, and Dreamy was nearly bouncing off the walls, typical schipperke behavior, but not the expectation of a therapy dog! I was so worried about how she would act. We entered the room, and the very frail woman was perched in a chair. Dreamy calmly jumped into the chair, settled down next to her, and sat quietly for half an hour.
We once drove half an hour to visit a children’s grief camp. Although we’d never visited before, Dreamy started getting excited as we approached the final turn, as though she could sense the children waiting for her. One little boy did not want to participate with the group activities. We learned later that he had just lost his mom. Dreamy jumped into his lap when we arrived, uninvited. He didn’t react much, but she didn’t care. As we were leaving, she found him again, sitting on the front steps of the admin building. This time, she came up from behind him and stood on his shoulders! He smiled at that. A few days after this visit, we received a grateful note from the director. After we left, the little boy had joined the others for activities! Dreamy seemed to know exactly what was needed.
Her favorite places to visit were colleges for final exam stress relief visits, and R.E.A.D visits at the local library, where the kids would read books to her. She would all but drag me into the library on these visits, and then refuse to leave when we were done! We would meet the kids in the children’s section. They would ask the kids who they wanted to read to, and Dreamy invariably chose that moment to go and stand on the child’s foot, so they would pick her! She would then lead the way to our spot in the reading room with our blanket and books. She loved to do tricks for the kids in the children’s section, but she always understood the blanket and books were for reading.
Dreamy learned many tricks with clicker training. She would patty-cake, of course, but also roll over, spin, play dead, and high-five, among others. She loved showing off when it was appropriate during therapy visits. I think she actually enjoyed getting people to smile and laugh.
We retired Dreamy from therapy visits when the pandemic shut everything down in 2020. Dreamy was in it for the kids, and had no interest in doing visits over Zoom! Over the next couple of years, she met and overcame some major health challenges, including having a splenectomy, and later a cancerous nerve sheath tumor. But in 2022, she developed kidney disease, and started having a lot of mobility problems. She still had many joyful, happy days, but age was catching up with her.
On Mother’s Day, 2023, at 15 years and four months old, Dreamy let me know she was done and ready to go. The next morning I set her free. I’m sure she’s visiting all the laps she can find at the Rainbow Bridge.
We miss you, Sweet Dreamy! You've left big paws to fill!
January 13, 2008 - May 15, 2023
I got Dreamy as a two-year-old from a schipperke breeder in 2010. She had decided not to use her in her breeding program. She thought she would make a good agility dog, but Dreamy had other plans!
Dreamy had a little basic show dog training, but needed more. We once tried traditional training, but on the heel around the room exercise, she would stop at every lap on the row of spectators. That was my first hint at what she really wanted to be doing.
When Dreamy was five, we found a more positive based training class. She still didn’t care much about the training, but when we took breaks, instead of playing with the other dogs, she visited with all the handlers. At that point, I could no longer ignore her calling. When the trainer offered a therapy dog class, I knew we were on the right path. I taught myself clicker training to get the obedience down. She passed the therapy dog class and the testing like a champ!
Over the years, we did nursing homes, college exam stress relief, R.E.A.D at the local library, a local psychiatric and addiction facility, children’s camps, the Atlanta Jackson-Hartsfield airport, the local hospital, senior activity centers, and hospice. The hospice visit was one of the most memorable. We were heading up to the resident’s room, and Dreamy was nearly bouncing off the walls, typical schipperke behavior, but not the expectation of a therapy dog! I was so worried about how she would act. We entered the room, and the very frail woman was perched in a chair. Dreamy calmly jumped into the chair, settled down next to her, and sat quietly for half an hour.
We once drove half an hour to visit a children’s grief camp. Although we’d never visited before, Dreamy started getting excited as we approached the final turn, as though she could sense the children waiting for her. One little boy did not want to participate with the group activities. We learned later that he had just lost his mom. Dreamy jumped into his lap when we arrived, uninvited. He didn’t react much, but she didn’t care. As we were leaving, she found him again, sitting on the front steps of the admin building. This time, she came up from behind him and stood on his shoulders! He smiled at that. A few days after this visit, we received a grateful note from the director. After we left, the little boy had joined the others for activities! Dreamy seemed to know exactly what was needed.
Her favorite places to visit were colleges for final exam stress relief visits, and R.E.A.D visits at the local library, where the kids would read books to her. She would all but drag me into the library on these visits, and then refuse to leave when we were done! We would meet the kids in the children’s section. They would ask the kids who they wanted to read to, and Dreamy invariably chose that moment to go and stand on the child’s foot, so they would pick her! She would then lead the way to our spot in the reading room with our blanket and books. She loved to do tricks for the kids in the children’s section, but she always understood the blanket and books were for reading.
Dreamy learned many tricks with clicker training. She would patty-cake, of course, but also roll over, spin, play dead, and high-five, among others. She loved showing off when it was appropriate during therapy visits. I think she actually enjoyed getting people to smile and laugh.
We retired Dreamy from therapy visits when the pandemic shut everything down in 2020. Dreamy was in it for the kids, and had no interest in doing visits over Zoom! Over the next couple of years, she met and overcame some major health challenges, including having a splenectomy, and later a cancerous nerve sheath tumor. But in 2022, she developed kidney disease, and started having a lot of mobility problems. She still had many joyful, happy days, but age was catching up with her.
On Mother’s Day, 2023, at 15 years and four months old, Dreamy let me know she was done and ready to go. The next morning I set her free. I’m sure she’s visiting all the laps she can find at the Rainbow Bridge.
We miss you, Sweet Dreamy! You've left big paws to fill!
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angus
Angus was the bestest boy to Amy Hibbs and her family.
We adopted Angus from the Humane Society when he was about a year or two old. At first he kept to himself, unless he was barking at other dogs or escaping out of our back yard fence. But then as time went by, he settled in and became the sweetest little companion you could ask for. He made fast friends with Bella, whom we adopted as a puppy. Little Angus and Bella, the big black lab, looked completely opposite from each other, but were an inseparable team.
Angus loved to sit with the kids while they did homework, curl up on the couch with a pillow, or nap on a chair while keeping watch out the window. And as soon as a visitor came by the house, he sat down right in front of them, wagged his tail and prepared to get some pets. In his later years he became a therapy dog which he absolutely loved. He would get so excited when it was time "to go to work". I'm so happy he had the opportunity to bring happiness to so many people, while doing something he loved.
We will sorely miss Angus, but are forever grateful for the gift of being his people for all of these years.
Thank you, Amy & Angus, for enriching the lives of others by embracing the power of the human-animal bond.
We adopted Angus from the Humane Society when he was about a year or two old. At first he kept to himself, unless he was barking at other dogs or escaping out of our back yard fence. But then as time went by, he settled in and became the sweetest little companion you could ask for. He made fast friends with Bella, whom we adopted as a puppy. Little Angus and Bella, the big black lab, looked completely opposite from each other, but were an inseparable team.
Angus loved to sit with the kids while they did homework, curl up on the couch with a pillow, or nap on a chair while keeping watch out the window. And as soon as a visitor came by the house, he sat down right in front of them, wagged his tail and prepared to get some pets. In his later years he became a therapy dog which he absolutely loved. He would get so excited when it was time "to go to work". I'm so happy he had the opportunity to bring happiness to so many people, while doing something he loved.
We will sorely miss Angus, but are forever grateful for the gift of being his people for all of these years.
Thank you, Amy & Angus, for enriching the lives of others by embracing the power of the human-animal bond.
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trixie
Trixie, beloved therapy dog and companion to Mike Antol, has left us way too soon. Mike and Trixie did a lot of visits together, most notably at the airport where you could count on seeing them each and every Sunday. They did other visits, too, at the nursing home, Georgia Tech, and countless others.
No truer word was said when they called dogs a man's best friend. May you always cherish the loving memories you have with Trixie. Her sweet soul and warm, goofy personality will be missed by so many of us. Thank you for sharing your precious girl - she has left Paw Prints on all our hearts, but none quite so deep as the ones left on yours.
No truer word was said when they called dogs a man's best friend. May you always cherish the loving memories you have with Trixie. Her sweet soul and warm, goofy personality will be missed by so many of us. Thank you for sharing your precious girl - she has left Paw Prints on all our hearts, but none quite so deep as the ones left on yours.
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autumn
Beloved therapy dog and companion to Kathy Rakestraw. Miss you sweet girl!
Autumn (f.n.a. Rico’s Wanda ) was one of the sweetest and most unassuming girls there was. She was just happy to be part of the Rakestraw pack.
After her first retirement from racing, she became my foster dog and ultimately became my dog. Another foster failure, lol. She tried some dog sports but had no interest. Autumn did go on to her new career as a pet therapy dog which she enjoyed. She also enjoying doing some meet & greets. She especially loved men. Those activities were enough for her. She retired from pet therapy in 2018.
At the very end of her life, she had a wonderful 4 days. She got junk treats not normally allowed in our household. She had ice cream every night after dinner. She got to go out in the front yard which is somewhere the dogs rarely get to go. She got to do pretty much whatever made her happy. I held her while she peacefully left this world.
She was just happy to be part of a family and have other canine (and feline) companions. She was very close other senior pet family members who had passed in recent months.
The house feels very empty without her. You don’t realize how much you will miss them until they are gone. I’m just glad I could give her several really good days. I asked her to tell my others who have left in the last few years hello for me. Autumn will be missed. Godspeed my sweet girl. Until we meet again.
Autumn (f.n.a. Rico’s Wanda ) was one of the sweetest and most unassuming girls there was. She was just happy to be part of the Rakestraw pack.
After her first retirement from racing, she became my foster dog and ultimately became my dog. Another foster failure, lol. She tried some dog sports but had no interest. Autumn did go on to her new career as a pet therapy dog which she enjoyed. She also enjoying doing some meet & greets. She especially loved men. Those activities were enough for her. She retired from pet therapy in 2018.
At the very end of her life, she had a wonderful 4 days. She got junk treats not normally allowed in our household. She had ice cream every night after dinner. She got to go out in the front yard which is somewhere the dogs rarely get to go. She got to do pretty much whatever made her happy. I held her while she peacefully left this world.
She was just happy to be part of a family and have other canine (and feline) companions. She was very close other senior pet family members who had passed in recent months.
The house feels very empty without her. You don’t realize how much you will miss them until they are gone. I’m just glad I could give her several really good days. I asked her to tell my others who have left in the last few years hello for me. Autumn will be missed. Godspeed my sweet girl. Until we meet again.
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lizzie grace
October 1, 2011 – May 30, 2022
It was with extreme sadness that we had to say goodbye to our sweet Lizzie Grace before she crossed Rainbow Bridge on Memorial Day.
Lizzie came to us February 21, 2015, on a beautiful sunny winter day. This gorgeous yellow Lab just showed up in our yard to rest and lay in the sun when I first spotted her from our den window. I walked outside, sat down beside her, and was immediately captivated by this gentle sweet spirited dog. I had always dreamed of one day having a yellow Lab. I soon found the owners, but they showed no attachment to this dog they called “Liz”, and, after negotiating a price, were more than willing to turn her over to me. I could not get to the bank fast enough! I learned later that the man had bought Lizzie from a breeder in Arkansas for $900. He had wanted her to hunt and have babies. Apparently “Liz” did not want to have anything to do with either…… Thank God! As I drove up his driveway to finalize the adoption, I couldn’t help but notice the nasty muddy pen next to the driveway in which this precious dog had been living for over 3 years with several male dogs. When I returned home, Lizzie and I celebrated her becoming a member of our family……no more muddy pens, just soft beds and fluffy pillows!
My sweet Lizzie and I became inseparable. We seemed to each know what the other was thinking. She did the most adorable prance-dance, could never receive enough pets from anyone, and was always the absolute sweetest dog you’d ever want to be around! I was certain that she would love nothing better than to give and receive love to help others. I enrolled us into a local AKC Canine Good Citizen obedience class, then soon after she received that title, we also passed the test to become a registered therapy dog team. My sweet Lizzie was a good and faithful servant and represented ATD & CAREing Paws well. She was a great comfort to countless children and adults, from visits to elementary schools & colleges, to veterans’ events & the memory care unit at Somerby, Lizzie made a difference in the lives of those who needed her sweet spirit to give them a much-needed lift.
But most of all……sweet Lizzie made a huge difference in my life. I had surgery just this past April, and it was Lizzie who comforted me and helped me to gain strength back by nudging me to play frisbee and take walks in our pasture. I am beyond grateful for the time I had with such an amazing best friend and therapy partner and will forever remember the special love my sweet Lizzie and I shared.
It was with extreme sadness that we had to say goodbye to our sweet Lizzie Grace before she crossed Rainbow Bridge on Memorial Day.
Lizzie came to us February 21, 2015, on a beautiful sunny winter day. This gorgeous yellow Lab just showed up in our yard to rest and lay in the sun when I first spotted her from our den window. I walked outside, sat down beside her, and was immediately captivated by this gentle sweet spirited dog. I had always dreamed of one day having a yellow Lab. I soon found the owners, but they showed no attachment to this dog they called “Liz”, and, after negotiating a price, were more than willing to turn her over to me. I could not get to the bank fast enough! I learned later that the man had bought Lizzie from a breeder in Arkansas for $900. He had wanted her to hunt and have babies. Apparently “Liz” did not want to have anything to do with either…… Thank God! As I drove up his driveway to finalize the adoption, I couldn’t help but notice the nasty muddy pen next to the driveway in which this precious dog had been living for over 3 years with several male dogs. When I returned home, Lizzie and I celebrated her becoming a member of our family……no more muddy pens, just soft beds and fluffy pillows!
My sweet Lizzie and I became inseparable. We seemed to each know what the other was thinking. She did the most adorable prance-dance, could never receive enough pets from anyone, and was always the absolute sweetest dog you’d ever want to be around! I was certain that she would love nothing better than to give and receive love to help others. I enrolled us into a local AKC Canine Good Citizen obedience class, then soon after she received that title, we also passed the test to become a registered therapy dog team. My sweet Lizzie was a good and faithful servant and represented ATD & CAREing Paws well. She was a great comfort to countless children and adults, from visits to elementary schools & colleges, to veterans’ events & the memory care unit at Somerby, Lizzie made a difference in the lives of those who needed her sweet spirit to give them a much-needed lift.
But most of all……sweet Lizzie made a huge difference in my life. I had surgery just this past April, and it was Lizzie who comforted me and helped me to gain strength back by nudging me to play frisbee and take walks in our pasture. I am beyond grateful for the time I had with such an amazing best friend and therapy partner and will forever remember the special love my sweet Lizzie and I shared.
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Lewis
LEWIS
2010 – April 9, 2022
Lewis came to us in 2015 as a foster dog. He had been picked up as a stray and no one ever claimed him – he had obviously been living on the street for quite a while. Lewis was one of the easiest foster dogs we had ever had, easygoing and undemanding. Regular meals and a comfy bed, belly rubs and easy walks were all that he required. At the same time we started fostering Lewis, our black lab Elliott (my first therapy dog) was diagnosed with lymphoma and given two years to live. We decided to adopt Lewis – he fit in well with our family and would be company for our other dog when Elliott passed. We had also fallen in love with this big, goofy yellow boy who taught us (and all the people at the barn where I work and also my parents) to keep all food (and trash cans) behind closed doors. Lewis was a genius when it came to finding food. He lived to make the inaccessible accessible!
Lewis was a natural for therapy dog work. He loved people and people loved him. He passed his therapy dog evaluations with flying colors and started doing visits in October of 2016, slowly taking over Elliott’s work. He was a READ dog at Hickory Flat library, he was a regular at Camp Glisson and he went to the children’s shelter in Cartersville. His favorite visits though, were the ones he did with patients at Northside Cherokee. He truly shone in those quiet times we spent with the patients. I have so many wonderful memories of those visits and I know that he brought comfort and a sense of peace to all he met. Lewis worked steadily until March of 2020 when COVID and then cancer forced him into early retirement.
Despite his cancer diagnoses (epitheliotropic lymphoma) in July of 2020 and the subsequent chemotherapy to treat it, Lewis made the most of his retirement. He enjoyed hiking and nosework class up to the very end. Lewis had only a few bad days and for that we are grateful. We will always cherish our memories of this big yellow dog and we miss him.
2010 – April 9, 2022
Lewis came to us in 2015 as a foster dog. He had been picked up as a stray and no one ever claimed him – he had obviously been living on the street for quite a while. Lewis was one of the easiest foster dogs we had ever had, easygoing and undemanding. Regular meals and a comfy bed, belly rubs and easy walks were all that he required. At the same time we started fostering Lewis, our black lab Elliott (my first therapy dog) was diagnosed with lymphoma and given two years to live. We decided to adopt Lewis – he fit in well with our family and would be company for our other dog when Elliott passed. We had also fallen in love with this big, goofy yellow boy who taught us (and all the people at the barn where I work and also my parents) to keep all food (and trash cans) behind closed doors. Lewis was a genius when it came to finding food. He lived to make the inaccessible accessible!
Lewis was a natural for therapy dog work. He loved people and people loved him. He passed his therapy dog evaluations with flying colors and started doing visits in October of 2016, slowly taking over Elliott’s work. He was a READ dog at Hickory Flat library, he was a regular at Camp Glisson and he went to the children’s shelter in Cartersville. His favorite visits though, were the ones he did with patients at Northside Cherokee. He truly shone in those quiet times we spent with the patients. I have so many wonderful memories of those visits and I know that he brought comfort and a sense of peace to all he met. Lewis worked steadily until March of 2020 when COVID and then cancer forced him into early retirement.
Despite his cancer diagnoses (epitheliotropic lymphoma) in July of 2020 and the subsequent chemotherapy to treat it, Lewis made the most of his retirement. He enjoyed hiking and nosework class up to the very end. Lewis had only a few bad days and for that we are grateful. We will always cherish our memories of this big yellow dog and we miss him.
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Buddy
So sad to share that Buddy, beloved therapy dog and companion to Vickie C. Balch, lost his battle with osteosarcoma on July 10, 2021. He turned 8 yrs. old on June 22nd. This is from Vickie.
No words could ever describe what he meant to me. He was one of those "special" dogs that comes along in our lives every now and then.
Coming into our lives at 9 weeks old he was Molly's, (our 10 yr. old Great Dane) buddy, not knowing she would live another 13 months. She taught him gentleness that endured his whole life.
Having had Great Danes for many years and numerous dog names, Buddy seemed to fit his name as he was Molly's buddy.
My husband took him to obedience classes and they acquired the AKC Good Citizen title. Then I took Buddy to pet therapy training classes. We visited the local hospital, nursing homes in NC where we lived. We became members of the READ program here and visited a library.
When my husband passed away suddenly from a massive stroke 4 yrs. ago Buddy was my salvation during that sad time.
Little did I know how his name would impact my life.
Buddy was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his front right leg in Jan. of 2021. He passed away the way he lived, with dignity to the end.
He is no longer in pain and that gives me much peace.
Some animals come into our lives and leave such an impact that is truly a gift to all who knew them, that was my Buddy.
"The Soul always knows what to do to Heal itself, The challenge is to silence the mind."
All our love goes out to Vickie C. Balch and we are wrapping you in warm hugs. May the grief you feel now soon be replaced by happy memories of all the special moments you shared together.
No words could ever describe what he meant to me. He was one of those "special" dogs that comes along in our lives every now and then.
Coming into our lives at 9 weeks old he was Molly's, (our 10 yr. old Great Dane) buddy, not knowing she would live another 13 months. She taught him gentleness that endured his whole life.
Having had Great Danes for many years and numerous dog names, Buddy seemed to fit his name as he was Molly's buddy.
My husband took him to obedience classes and they acquired the AKC Good Citizen title. Then I took Buddy to pet therapy training classes. We visited the local hospital, nursing homes in NC where we lived. We became members of the READ program here and visited a library.
When my husband passed away suddenly from a massive stroke 4 yrs. ago Buddy was my salvation during that sad time.
Little did I know how his name would impact my life.
Buddy was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his front right leg in Jan. of 2021. He passed away the way he lived, with dignity to the end.
He is no longer in pain and that gives me much peace.
Some animals come into our lives and leave such an impact that is truly a gift to all who knew them, that was my Buddy.
"The Soul always knows what to do to Heal itself, The challenge is to silence the mind."
All our love goes out to Vickie C. Balch and we are wrapping you in warm hugs. May the grief you feel now soon be replaced by happy memories of all the special moments you shared together.
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Aspen
Aspen, beloved therapy dog and companion to Bill and MarySue Zercher, lived a full life of 16 years. She was always loving and faithful; she loved hiking and doing any outdoor activities. Her best tricks other than regular obedience were shaking paws and taking a bow. She did not allow squeaky toys to keep their squeakers, ever! Aspen loved babies, toddlers, and children especially. So when the opportunity came up for her to use her therapy skills at Camp Sparrowwood, in Dahlonega, she was delighted. This was her special mission for several summers. Aspen was our beloved brindle girl, and we are so thankful that we were her people.
Aspen surely enriched the lives of others by the way she, Bill and MarySue embraced the power of the human-animal bond. Our hearts are with you!
Aspen surely enriched the lives of others by the way she, Bill and MarySue embraced the power of the human-animal bond. Our hearts are with you!
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cuddles
Cuddles, beloved therapy and reading partner to Pat Krause.
My beloved poodle, Cuddles, loved her calling to be a therapy dog and left many paw prints in this role. Cuddles visited patients in hospitals and hospice. She visited residents in nursing homes and Alzheimer’s Units. Cuddles helped patients in Rehabilitation Units as they tried to regain their ability to walk again after a stroke. Cuddles was part of a team in the annual walk to end Alzheimer’s. One of Cuddles favorite duties was being a part of the Reading Program. She loved working with the students. She was instrumental in helping them improve their reading skills and learn to love reading. She worked with the physically and mentally disabled students which included those with autism at the Vocational Rehabilitation Unit in Warm Springs, Georgia. Cuddles also worked at the Autistic Learning Center in Columbus, Ga. with the younger children and their families. Some of these students could not speak or had to learn the fundamental lessons of basic body parts and texture and color. Through her gentle and patient ways fear of the presence of a dog was alleviated and hugs replaced the fear. Cuddles loved her students in the elementary class rooms. She listened attentively to their reading and was available for hugs when they felt insecure. Cuddles demonstrated the importance of all therapy dogs by being part of the presentations provided to the Recreational Therapy students at the East Alabama University. Cuddles left an indelible mark on many hearts before she crossed over the Rainbow Bridge and will be forever loved and missed.
We are wrapping you in love and light, Pat. We pray that one day soon, the grief you are feeling now is replaced by all the many happy memories you shared together.
My beloved poodle, Cuddles, loved her calling to be a therapy dog and left many paw prints in this role. Cuddles visited patients in hospitals and hospice. She visited residents in nursing homes and Alzheimer’s Units. Cuddles helped patients in Rehabilitation Units as they tried to regain their ability to walk again after a stroke. Cuddles was part of a team in the annual walk to end Alzheimer’s. One of Cuddles favorite duties was being a part of the Reading Program. She loved working with the students. She was instrumental in helping them improve their reading skills and learn to love reading. She worked with the physically and mentally disabled students which included those with autism at the Vocational Rehabilitation Unit in Warm Springs, Georgia. Cuddles also worked at the Autistic Learning Center in Columbus, Ga. with the younger children and their families. Some of these students could not speak or had to learn the fundamental lessons of basic body parts and texture and color. Through her gentle and patient ways fear of the presence of a dog was alleviated and hugs replaced the fear. Cuddles loved her students in the elementary class rooms. She listened attentively to their reading and was available for hugs when they felt insecure. Cuddles demonstrated the importance of all therapy dogs by being part of the presentations provided to the Recreational Therapy students at the East Alabama University. Cuddles left an indelible mark on many hearts before she crossed over the Rainbow Bridge and will be forever loved and missed.
We are wrapping you in love and light, Pat. We pray that one day soon, the grief you are feeling now is replaced by all the many happy memories you shared together.
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charlie
Charlie rescued Cheryl and Steve Jones on April 13, 2015. From day one he was family and friend and ready to serve. He made people smile everywhere he went and knew when anyone had a special need ... and was there for them. We have a zillion Charlie stories, but here is one. Since moving to NC and since his cancer had worsened, we took him for a multi hour ride every night. He alternated between his head out the window and lying down ... and he loved it. On Monday he came down the garage steps ... very difficult for him ... at 3 o'clock ... way early for our evening ride ... and stood by his car door. He would not budge. So we took him for a quick ride ... head out some and lying down some. We came home ... and he told us with big sad eyes ... I'm ready to go ... my work is done ... I am very tired. It was his final ride ... he knew it ... and at 7 o'clock he closed his sweet eyes.
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Maggie
Maggie Mae, beloved therapy partner to Deana Marino Young, has left us to soon.
Maggie, an F1 Goldendoodle, loved her journey with CAREing Paws. We like to think they spread puppy love and tail wags all over the Atlanta Area. From SCAD to Georgia Tech, Senior Citizens to the Kiddos at Burch Elementary, she left her loving paw prints in many deserving hearts.
Most of all, helping kids grow their love for reading and build up their self-esteem was a heartwarming and fulfilling endeavor for both of them.
At home, Maggie shared her beautiful spirit with her family. She took care of her Mom, who was often struggling with Multiple Sclerosis. She made every day better. There is a hole in our hearts we can’t seem to fill right now but we know she will send her family another furry angel to carry on her legacy when the time it right.
Wrapping you and your family in love and light, Deana. May all the memories of the good times you shared together soon replace the grief that you feel now.
Maggie, an F1 Goldendoodle, loved her journey with CAREing Paws. We like to think they spread puppy love and tail wags all over the Atlanta Area. From SCAD to Georgia Tech, Senior Citizens to the Kiddos at Burch Elementary, she left her loving paw prints in many deserving hearts.
Most of all, helping kids grow their love for reading and build up their self-esteem was a heartwarming and fulfilling endeavor for both of them.
At home, Maggie shared her beautiful spirit with her family. She took care of her Mom, who was often struggling with Multiple Sclerosis. She made every day better. There is a hole in our hearts we can’t seem to fill right now but we know she will send her family another furry angel to carry on her legacy when the time it right.
Wrapping you and your family in love and light, Deana. May all the memories of the good times you shared together soon replace the grief that you feel now.
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cori
BLTs Sweet Corn a.k.a. Cori - Beloved therapy dog and companion to Kathy Rakestraw.
Cori left this world to join Blaze, my other therapy dog.
Her backend just couldn’t support her body any longer. Acupuncture and laser really helped for awhile. But she decided she was done. Our vet helped me to send Cori over to the rainbow bridge.
Cori was my first female greyhound. She was also my first therapy dog. Through CAREing Paws, she was a reading education assistance dog at RT Jones Library until her retirement in 2018.
Cori did some M&Gs although not a fan of them. She competed in Rally Obedience in her younger days and wasn’t bad but she seemed to enjoy k9 nose works better. We did that for several years until she decided she didn’t really want to do it anymore.
Cori had done some lure coursing which she loved until she had a hock injury from a competition.
We were fortunate to have several of her litter mates local for many years. She was the last known survivor of the BLT litter. We got to meet her sire, Flying Hydrogen, a number of years back prior to his death.
I miss my sweet girl but now she can free again without pain or injury.
Until we meet again my beloved CorCor
Cori left this world to join Blaze, my other therapy dog.
Her backend just couldn’t support her body any longer. Acupuncture and laser really helped for awhile. But she decided she was done. Our vet helped me to send Cori over to the rainbow bridge.
Cori was my first female greyhound. She was also my first therapy dog. Through CAREing Paws, she was a reading education assistance dog at RT Jones Library until her retirement in 2018.
Cori did some M&Gs although not a fan of them. She competed in Rally Obedience in her younger days and wasn’t bad but she seemed to enjoy k9 nose works better. We did that for several years until she decided she didn’t really want to do it anymore.
Cori had done some lure coursing which she loved until she had a hock injury from a competition.
We were fortunate to have several of her litter mates local for many years. She was the last known survivor of the BLT litter. We got to meet her sire, Flying Hydrogen, a number of years back prior to his death.
I miss my sweet girl but now she can free again without pain or injury.
Until we meet again my beloved CorCor
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blaze
Crones Blazing Sunshine - Beloved therapy dog and companion to Kathy Rakestraw
Blaze had been diagnosed with intestinal and liver cancer on July 30. The Blue Pearl ER vets said he had 2-4 weeks. He gave me 18 days. Blaze had a rough night on Saturday and at one point looked at me and told me it was time. I called Sweet Dreams Sunday morning and Immediate Animal Service for the cremation. They were so wonderful. I’m not quite sure
what I’m going to do without Blaze. He was my first greyhound and my first male dog.
I was fortunate to adopt him as a puppy from Crones Creatures Greyhound Adoption where Kay Compton entrusted me with an 11 week old greyhound puppy. Blaze learned to swim, loved to travel, tried obedience, rally obedience and dock diving. He enjoyed meet & greets with SEGA. But besides just running (like at the Pope High School football games) his big loves were agility and pet therapy. He retired from everything about a year and a half ago. He still went to agility class at Alchemy Dog Training up until a couple weeks before his death. He was happy to just go and socialize and do a few jumps at 12”.
He was a therapy dog with CAREing Paws for 7 almost 8 years (thank you Melissa Saul) Blaze loved visiting nursing homes, children’s homes, the airport and colleges’ finals weeks. He was such a social guy. I have wonderful memories and photos.
I’m blessed to have had such a special dog. Blaze has handsome (he looked so much like his grandsire, Flying Train). His huge personality was larger than life. He adored people from babies to seniors. He was a great alpha dog to my pack. He was my lieutenant, my 2nd in command. Blaze was one of a kind and my life will never be the same.
Godspeed my sweet boy. Until we meet again.
Blaze had been diagnosed with intestinal and liver cancer on July 30. The Blue Pearl ER vets said he had 2-4 weeks. He gave me 18 days. Blaze had a rough night on Saturday and at one point looked at me and told me it was time. I called Sweet Dreams Sunday morning and Immediate Animal Service for the cremation. They were so wonderful. I’m not quite sure
what I’m going to do without Blaze. He was my first greyhound and my first male dog.
I was fortunate to adopt him as a puppy from Crones Creatures Greyhound Adoption where Kay Compton entrusted me with an 11 week old greyhound puppy. Blaze learned to swim, loved to travel, tried obedience, rally obedience and dock diving. He enjoyed meet & greets with SEGA. But besides just running (like at the Pope High School football games) his big loves were agility and pet therapy. He retired from everything about a year and a half ago. He still went to agility class at Alchemy Dog Training up until a couple weeks before his death. He was happy to just go and socialize and do a few jumps at 12”.
He was a therapy dog with CAREing Paws for 7 almost 8 years (thank you Melissa Saul) Blaze loved visiting nursing homes, children’s homes, the airport and colleges’ finals weeks. He was such a social guy. I have wonderful memories and photos.
I’m blessed to have had such a special dog. Blaze has handsome (he looked so much like his grandsire, Flying Train). His huge personality was larger than life. He adored people from babies to seniors. He was a great alpha dog to my pack. He was my lieutenant, my 2nd in command. Blaze was one of a kind and my life will never be the same.
Godspeed my sweet boy. Until we meet again.
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daisy
Daisy was a brilliant therapy dog, with nearly 550 visits over 10 years in every type of facility and setting. She brought comfort, smiles and happiness to thousands of people, especially Val and Don King. She was the alpha of everyone in their household except Don. She was caring, intuitive and expressive – and bossy and stubborn – and so beautiful. She was Val's first dog and will always be special.
I've had the pleasure of visiting with Val & Daisy on several visits at Anchor Hospital, the Airport, GT, and others. It was truly amazing to see Daisy work the crowd. She seemed to know just who needed her the most, and she could often reach people that others could not. Sad faces broke into full smiles when they saw Daisy! She had a way of making everyone happy, no matter the situation.
There must be someone in heaven who needs her now. RIP, Sweet Baby. We will miss you terribly!
I've had the pleasure of visiting with Val & Daisy on several visits at Anchor Hospital, the Airport, GT, and others. It was truly amazing to see Daisy work the crowd. She seemed to know just who needed her the most, and she could often reach people that others could not. Sad faces broke into full smiles when they saw Daisy! She had a way of making everyone happy, no matter the situation.
There must be someone in heaven who needs her now. RIP, Sweet Baby. We will miss you terribly!
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bingo
Kings’ Bingo Jackpot (Bingo) was a beloved therapy dog and companion to Val & Don King for 8 of his 14 ½ years. His adoption was unplanned and unexpected, but it was meant to be.
To the world he was serious, handsome, a great therapy dog (with over 225 visits), and an excellent giver of kisses. To Val & Don he was all that plus the best “guard puppy” ever. He faced his declining health with dignity and acceptance.
Rest in peace, Mr. Bingo. Say hello to Major and Speedy and enjoy being free from pain, until we meet again.
To the world he was serious, handsome, a great therapy dog (with over 225 visits), and an excellent giver of kisses. To Val & Don he was all that plus the best “guard puppy” ever. He faced his declining health with dignity and acceptance.
Rest in peace, Mr. Bingo. Say hello to Major and Speedy and enjoy being free from pain, until we meet again.
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sparty
Sparty went from being abandoned and wandering the streets to being surrounded in a library with a dozen kids all trying to pet her little body at once. She had so much love to give and CAREing Paws gave her the opportunity to share it with everyone she met. Sparty made the most of her second chance at a great life. She looked for treats at every opportunity and attacked new stuffed animals with gusto, until the squeakers were sufficiently dead-- torn out and shredded into pieces. Her spunk, compassion and unwavering love brought so much joy to our family. We have so many great memories with Sparty and we know she brought a lot of light to everyone around her. We miss her dearly but know she will always live on in our hearts.
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Gina
My best friend got to meet Jesus last night. She was my constant companion, my therapy partner, and the love of my life for the past 9+ years. Without her, I am lost and heartbroken beyond words. She gave her whole life in service to others, joyfully helping children learn to love reading, cheering those in hospitals and nursing homes, and providing strength and courage to new therapy teams. Because of her, Cassie's legacy lives on in CAREing Paws. Gina is the reason we visit at Hartsfield Jackson Airport, Piedmont Fayette Hospital, CHOA, and too many schools and libraries to list. She taught me what fierce determination looks like and how to never give up in the face of adversity. She was the BEST big sister to Annie giving her the confidence she needed. She gave me that silly lab smile, loved her belly rubs, and would swim until she sank (literally!). She never met a stranger! And I was her lucky dog mom! Oh, the adventures we shared! I love her with all my heart - she was and forever will be my SUPERSTAR!
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elliott - beloved therapy companion to debbie and tony franks
We adopted Elliott in 2011. There was no adjustment period. He came in our house and was instantaneously our dog and we were his people. It was as though he had been with us his whole life.
He was the best dog. If I could have custom made a dog for myself, it would be him. He was a huge part of my life for the past 6 years and I will miss him! He also opened a lot of doors for me – because of Elliott, I got involved with pet therapy – and I have met many wonderful people, people that I know will be lifelong friends, because of him. He brought much joy to our lives and he brought smiles to many, many others doing his volunteer work. I will be forever grateful that Elliott was part of my life. I just wish he could have stayed longer.
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying good-bye so hard.” Winnie-the-Pooh
He was the best dog. If I could have custom made a dog for myself, it would be him. He was a huge part of my life for the past 6 years and I will miss him! He also opened a lot of doors for me – because of Elliott, I got involved with pet therapy – and I have met many wonderful people, people that I know will be lifelong friends, because of him. He brought much joy to our lives and he brought smiles to many, many others doing his volunteer work. I will be forever grateful that Elliott was part of my life. I just wish he could have stayed longer.
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying good-bye so hard.” Winnie-the-Pooh
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Bella
Beautiful, sweet Bella was the cherished companion, therapy dog and reading education assistance dog to Steve and Ann Ewald. Bella helped countless children learn to love reading as she volunteered for many, many years as a R.E.A.D. dog with Ann at the Roswell Library. In addition to being a fabulous literacy mentor, she was a like a big sister to little Jameson, and watched over him with care. Bella's legacy lives on in the lives of all the children she touched. She will forever be in our hearts!
Brutus
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Beloved English Mastiff, Therapy Dog and R.E.A.D. Dog. Faithful companion to Rob, Laura and Carley Hiller.
He has left big paws to fill and he will be dearly missed by all! Love you, Bru! |
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Jake - beloved therapy companion to george ellis
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Love Knows Not Its Own Depth Until The Hour of Separation.
Jake, you will always be a good boy!
Jake, you will always be a good boy!