In Loving Memory of Those Who Have Faithfully Served

I believe with all my heart that Lucchese was sent to me...an earth-angel with four paws, soft red fur, and beautiful amber eyes. She started off as an ill-behaved, scared little girl, but soon I found that all she needed was to trust and to be trusted...and to be loved.

Lucchese had more 'try' to her than any other canine that I have had the pleasure of sharing my life with, always wanting to learn and to make everyone happy. We trained to be a volunteer search/rescue team, and it was on one of the searches that she showed her true calling as a therapy dog...a hush came over the SAR teams as she comforted the victim's family member and a team member stated, "well, we have a therapy dog". It was within a couple of months that I found the Divine Canines organization, still in its early beginnings, and I knew that this was where she belonged. She led me down many hallways, to many people, young and old, throughout her years of service...always amazing me with her ever-knowing way of who needed her the most. Her portrait hangs on the 'Dog Wall' at Dell Children's Medical Center...a tribute to Lucchese, her love for children and the comfort that our canines bring to those in need. Even at one of her last vet visits, she was insistent on spreading her comfort and love to someone in need...and on her last visit, her ears perked as she heard the voices of children.

I have often wondered about the special bond between a service dog and handler...where the communication lines between a canine and human are non-existent...how special that bond must be! I do not wonder anymore...Lu and I had that bond...an all-knowing, unmistakable connection that was noticed by many.

An animal communicator once told me that animal companions typically relay to her that they will return to their humans one day...Lucchese relayed to her, that she intended to stay and would never leave me. I had often thought about that comment...knowing that Lucchese would not live forever. But, now I understand...I still feel her close by, a presence that I cannot describe...and a presence that I never want to go away.

Lucchese received her angel wings on November 11, 2011 and on that day I lost my heart and my soul. I know that time will ease the pain but I will never be whole again.

Godspeed, my dear Lil' Red...all the lessons that you taught me will not be forgotten. I will find a way to continue to spread your love and comfort until we are together again.

Waldo was bigger than life, a gentle giant and the definition of unconditional love. His time with divine canines was short, but powerful. Waldo's work with students learning to read at Rawson Saunders School, the Westbank Community Libraries, together with the time he spent visiting patients at St. Davids Rehab Hospital is a legacy that won't soon be forgotten. His sweet presence will remain in our hearts forever.

Packer was a divine canine since the group started in 2005. He was adopted from Maltese Rescue and brought home to cheer up his owner's other dog who was severely depressed. Packer turned out to be a healing influence, not only with the troubled older dog, but also with troubled older people.

Sandy will be missed by many, especially her mom. She was a special girl who made an impact on this world by demonstrating to all that Pit Bulls are good and sweet and are great with children. She loved visiting her kids weekly at St. Elmo Elementary School. They allowed her to be her silly self, which is all she asked from them. She was patient, attentive, and free with kisses to show the kids what a great job they were doing reading to her.

I was inspired to work with animal assisted therapy in 2004, when I adopted a 3 year old great dane I named Eudora and started training with Lee. She's our mascot and our logo is based on her likeness. Eudora passed away suddenly on January 5, 2010 and I am so comforted to know her spirit lives on through the amazing work you all do. Many thanks!!!!

Lucy is dearly missed by her family and friends. She was a gorgeous boykin spaniel rescue! She visited the Elgin area Golden Years Home on a regular basis for several months before her untimely passing. She made special bonds with residents there. One resident still has her picture in his room. We miss you crazy, happy, fun, snuggly Lucy!

Blue was a beautiful golden retriever mix who loved children. With divine canines, he visited the Summit, an assisted living facility for seniors, and participated in special events like Safari Day for adults with mental illness and Interfaith Hospitality Network's temporary shelter for homeless families. He shared his joy and lovable nature with the divine canines pack, too.

Minx was a fun-loving, kind soul who touched many lives. She loved to work as a therapy dog, and especially enjoyed being petted and brushed by children and doing parlor tricks for them. She was a big part of our lives and our family and we miss her.