Pets of Arete Living: August 2022

The Power of the Paw

By Kris Vandehey, Divisional Sales Consultant

I can’t remember a time in my life without the love of a dog. I hope I never have to. Currently my dog loves are Bubba and Lucy. Those are the two that live with us, or as my adult children call them, the “favored siblings.”

Up until a year ago, Bubba and Lucy were famous in Grants Pass, Oregon as the official greeters for Red Mountain Golf Course. It was not uncommon to come out to the course and see either one or both riding in carts with customers. When we sold the golf course and moved to a neighborhood, we were nervous about how all of us would adjust to city life. Fortunately, all of us, even my husband, have adjusted to life in the “Burg,” Millersburg.

Bubba, a mastiff shepherd mix, has never met a human he didn’t like. Found at 4 and half weeks of age on the side of the road, brought to the local shelter, then adopted by us at 10 weeks. Even through all the obstacles, at 4 and a half months his leg was shattered and had to have experimental surgery to repair it, two years later was bitten by a rattlesnake, and two years after that his tail was “shortened” by one of his human siblings when it got caught in a car door. Bubba still loves every human he meets.

Lucy, a golden retriever, is also a lover of humans but this did not happen overnight. Lucy was a recuse at 9 months of age who had a lot of trauma as a puppy. It was love at first site for me, but it took some time for her to adjust to my husband and all men, as the trauma she received came from a man. She now loves all and all love her. Lucy has since been trained as a therapy dog and has a real knack for connecting with those with dementia.

It gives me such pride when I see Lucy connect with folks with dementia. I have seen some amazing things happen when I have brought Lucy to work. My favorite was a smile we all saw from a non-communicative resident the minute she petted Lucy. Everyone in the room was in tears.

I believe in the power of the paw. I hope you can too!

Check out Kris in the doghouse in the last photo!

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