Thank you to Cindy
Weitzell, Independent Support Coordinator for the Catalyst Program, for writing
today’s blog.
Jasmine came into the lives of the residents and staff at
just four months old. She quickly became Shepherds dog. As I walked the halls,
people would say “Jasmine!” and forget I was there… but that’s okay. I would have
it no other way. They would bend down and pet her, and she returned love to
many.
Jasmine truly became a therapy dog on Shepherds campus. She helped
Nancy get up and walk again, she laid with Eddie when he was dying of cancer, and
she became a pillow to those who had lost a loved one.
It was the little things Jasmine did that brought a smile
and joy into the lives of many. She liked to take a walk with the residents or
chase a ball and bringing it back to them. She would do tricks for them.
Jasmine loved to sit in their laps and be hugged or petted and, in return, she
would give a wet kiss. While I worked in the cottages, she would play with the
guys or sleep on their beds.
She even played bocce, chasing the balls down the
court! During the cold winter months she could be seen running alongside our
snowshoe athletes and cross-country skiers. Jasmine became our mascot for
Special Olympics as she traveled with us and nosed her way into the lives of
others at the events.
In the Catalyst program, she would show up at any given home,
and I could walk away knowing she would be well cared for by the clients.
The students in college found Jasmine to be a great comfort
as many had left their dog at home to go to college. During those stressful
days early in the school year, she became a stress relief as she let them pet
and hold her.
The last few years of her life she had some health issues such
as pneumonia and a herniated disk. I thought I would lose her. But God had
other plans, her life as a therapy dog was not over. Residents, clients, staff,
students prayed, and God restored her life that she might continue to give to
others.
