Why a Tribute to a Friend Makes You Feel Helpless

With saddened hearts, we pay tribute to a friend.

We recently learned about the passing of Stanley, a beautiful Golden Retriever whom we had the privilege of meeting and taking care of at our 4th house sit in Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines, Ontario.

Stanley

C.J., my husband, especially enjoyed taking him for walks. Stanley needed some gentle guidance as he became blind as he got older. When he backed himself into a corner and couldn’t see his way out—literally—we would steer him the right way.

However, we did not realize just how special Stanley was.

A Special Friend to all

St. John Ambulance Therapy, Tribute to a friendStanley was trained with St. John’s Ambulance as a therapy dog and worked for five years comforting hundreds of people, including the sick, the elderly, and the young. He could be found at a hospice or at Brock University, helping nervous students about to write tests or helping many children overcome their fear of dogs. His gentle and loving ways brought many smiles and a peaceful, easy feeling to those around him.

Because of his endless hours working with Hospice and his community, he was given many honours and awards.

Stanley was one of a kind;  He will be sorely missed by all who had the chance to meet and get to know him. He certainly touched our hearts in the short time we knew him. Our heartfelt thoughts go out to Liza, Tom, and Sophie, who shared their boundless love with him, especially in his last few days.

RIP Stanley!

Stanley, A Golden Retriever, Tribute to a friend
STANLEY

Mary Ann & C.J.

Note: If you are in Canada and you would like to have your dog considered a therapy dog, read this article for more information, and if you are in the U.S., you can learn more here.

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