Ranger and Mary

    My name is Mary Terp and this is my dog Ranger (Holland Hill's Northern Ranger).  He's a four year old black lab.  Ranger is a very social dog and loves meeting other people and dogs.  So when I saw an ad in the Penny Power for Paws With Patience, I called because I was mainly interested in getting Ranger involved in something.  What I discovered is that Therapy Dog work has a lot to do with the handler as well.  Ranger is our conversation starter, he triggers an interest and brings back so many memories - happy and sad - for home residents.  I feel so strongly that this country desperately needs to find better solutions for the care of our elderly.  I don't know what those solutions are, but by bringing just a little bit of happiness to some home residents I feel like I am at least doing something.  And that feeling was not what I expected when I first called about that ad in the Penny Power!  My husband thought I was crazy and the first night I came home he asked "Well, How was it?" "Terrible," I replied with tears in my eyes, "Those poor people are all so unhappy."  "I know," he said "That's why I didn't go."  But I told him "Ignoring their sorrow doesn't make it go away.  We have to do something to help, no matter how small it is."  The experience is rewarding for both of us.  I don't get to come to many visitations right now because I am attending night classes, but I sometimes actually skip class to make it!  I would love to share information and thoughts with anyone thinking of joining!  I am also co-webmaster of this site and welcome comments regarding it as well.  My e-mail is maryterp@fast.net.