Regional Area: North Central
Breed: Golden Retriever
Helen and seven year-old Zoey take special pride in visiting senior living facilities. Not only does Zoey love going to work, the memory care residents relate to her special gentleness, calmness and patience. On one occasion, she spent ten minutes curled up on the couch with an especially appreciative resident and was decidedly reluctant to leave until she felt that person was relaxed. 
To encourage her inner “puppy,” Helen and husband Dwight presented Zoey with a kitten as a companion. It was a match made in animal heaven! Not only do they love one another and play well together, Zoey now plays with all of her own toys, cheerfully squeaks the squeaky ones, and even carries the kitty’s toys around.
Heart melting in many of her antics, with an unquenchable thirst for affection, Zoey lies on her parents’ bed whenever they return home, waiting for Dwight to come in and rub her belly. Then Helen comes in to pet her and she actually cries! If she’s not on the bed, she approaches them with a toy, weaves in and out of their legs, crying so loudly that they’re certain the neighbors can hear!
As much as she loves walks, Zoey is obsessed with the family’s golf cart, and wants to be in it even if they’re just backing it out of the garage into the driveway. Unable to deny her the joy, they take her for a quick ride around the block.
Helen’s future “to-do” list includes therapy visits with children in the Lady Lake, Florida area, attending local parades and setting up information booths at events to spread the good word about GRRMF.
Training/Certifications:
Basic Manners
Tricks
Canine Good Citizen
Hearts of Gold Therapy Team
Watch our Hearts of Gold Therapy Teams in action: Hearts of Gold YouTube channel
To learn more about how your dog can be part of the Hearts of Gold Therapy Team go to our Volunteer section of this webpage.
