Regional Area: North Central
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Jackie and his mom Lynne visit several senior living sites,. R Ronald McDonald House, and they just started visiting the UF Campus.
The place they enjoy most is the Sidney Lanier Center’s Alachua County School and Center for special needs students. Jackie LOVES going there and the kids and teachers adore him. Every student has a unique need and somehow Jackie understands that.
One memorable visit was at Sidney Lanier where a child had completely removed himself from everyone and was under a blanket in the corner of his room. When he heard the other children interacting with Jackie, he came out and joined in the fun. The teachers were so grateful since their attempts to engage him in class had been futile.
Blessed with a knack for knowing when end-of-life issues are close at hand, Jackie, in another memorable moment, actually tried to get in the bed and cuddle with the patient! The spouse was so touched by this endearing action because his wife was a dog lover and he knew that she would have loved it had she been aware.
Each morning Jackie shares a banana with his mom and plays “keep away” with his dad, while each evening, he patrols the yard to keep it free of deer. He’s never met a sprinkler he didn’t love, playing in it for hours. He loves swimming at the beach (not in the pool) and attacks the hose when Lynne tries to water the plants. He also loves having the grandkids visit. When they leave, he curls up on the bed they slept in to get one more whiff of them. At 100 pounds, Jackie’s not only a large, sweet and goofy guy, he’s also a bed hog. And his parents LOVE him dearly!
Training/CertificationsBasic Manners
Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
CGCU, CGCA, Novice Therapy Dog
Hearts of Gold Therapy Team
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