The number of comfort dog invitations has increased substantially, and I am getting back into the swing of things! This month there has been a wide variety of visits: Leon’s Heroes Triathlon, a veteran Honor Flight, Radford Green and Gurnee Meadows senior living communities, our North Chicago VBS, an excited sixth-grade class in North Chicago, the Libertyville Farmers Market, and last but not least, Faith on Sundays to connect with my friends. The good news is that this is just the beginning!
Honor Flight
On a memorable veterans visit, our team of two handlers—Bill and Dick—Pastor Jim, and I left Highland Park at 2:45 AM to get to Chicago Midway International Airport by 4 AM. I don’t know whose eyes were blurrier, mine or my human companions! Our job was to honor and send off veterans from past wars— Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War—who were taking a special flight to Washington, D.C. We had an opportunity to visit and chat with these veterans and the many volunteers who accompanied them on their trip. This Honor Flight would return that evening to much fanfare—a well-deserved honor!
Radford Green
Another highlight of my schedule is my bi-weekly visits to Radford Green with my handlers Sue and Alice. Staff and residents alike always greet us warmly. Quite a few residents remember me and enjoy my visits. The opportunity to pat and cuddle me allows residents to reminisce with my handlers about dogs they once had. One lady remembered a family member who was a vet. On this last visit, folks were preparing to play bingo. I would have so loved to join in! When we were leaving, one of the staff members, who has become a friend, spontaneously made up a rhyming poem thanking us for visiting!
Libertyville Farmers Market
On a lighter note, Bill and I visited the Libertyville Farmers Market one Thursday. We casually walked around the stalls, renewing friendships and visiting with children who were there with their family. I met some new friends who I hope to see the next time I stop by.
Praise the Lord; it’s time for action!
Be in touch, peace,
Asher
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