Dogs get blessed reward at Windemere
By Steve Myrick
Published: October 9, 2008
A wet nose brings a lift in spirits. A paw offered prompts a smile. A soft coat invites a soothing pat. Every week, sometimes two or three times a week, Sam, Max, Gulliver, George and Gracie, Cody, Max, Lucy, Pepe and Casey visit their friends at Windemere. They bring unconditional love, and receive unconditional gratitude.
"It's just wonderful," said Betsy Burmeister, who coordinates the program. "It makes their day. Just petting them feels soothing, a very calming influence. They all had dogs, and they miss them."
Last week, Windemere staff and residents threw a pet party to thank the dogs. The Rev. Alden Besse blessed each one in honor of St. Francis, the Catholic patron saint of animals. Then they were rewarded with gift baskets, donated by SBS, The Grain Store, Good Dog Goods, Campbell and Douglas Harness and Feed, and Kim Steigelman.
