After I became a widow in 2001, I adopted Jake. One day
my grandchildren, Brian, Matthew, Mary and Seth went with
me to the Agoura Hills, California animal shelter.
Together we interviewed many dogs. Then Jake came out. He
liked us and we liked him. Since 2001, like turned to
love. Jake was my 24/7 companion and co-therapist. He
loved my patients and they loved him. He was quite spoiled
by their offerings of dog biscuits and other treats. Jake
was not only my therapy dog, but also my best friend and I
was bereft when he died in late 2008.
On January 12, 2010 I welcomed a new dog named Asta. Yes,
named after the Schnauzer Asta in The Thin Man novels and
movies - although they used Skippy, a Wire Haired Terrier
in the movies. Asta was a champ. He helped out at my
office as a therapy dog. I also had his son Shmegarufsky
until they both died in 2022 due to multiple medical
issues. Some time in 2022 I will get another dog. RIP
Jake, Asta and Shmegarufsky!
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