Page 21 - Amarillo Senior Link Magazine Spring 2022 - Online Magazine
P. 21
EXCEPTIONAL SENIORS
The experiences are as rewarding
for Anita as they are for her tender-
hearted canine companion. She
enjoys seeing the smiles on baby
faces as well as the countenances
of the most elderly. At one “Puppy
Tales” event, she even heard a
young mother exclaim, “Mrs.
Kesler??!!” as she recognized her
third-grade teacher from Dumas.
Anita smiles at some of the
humorous moments. One young
reader at the library addressed
Anita. “She's not paying attention!”
he said seriously to Pearl’s
handler. One of the most poignant Goldendoodle has made a name
memories for Anita and Wanda for herself by spreading joy and
was when they took Pearl to loving unconditionally in a time
visit their brother. His dementia when those commodities are often
library for “Puppy Tales”, where was advanced, and he barely in short supply.
the children read aloud to her. recognized
his younger
“Pearl is very good at what she sisters, but
does, and we know she gives 100% his face lit
because, when she comes home up when he
after letting everyone love on her, got to pet
she collapses for a long time, as if Pearl. It was
she has taken on all the stress that one of the
the humans had.” Wanda and Anita last times
have taken her on many trips to they saw
Colorado, New Mexico, Arkansas, him, but the
and Oklahoma – even a 3100-mile memory
round trip to Florida.
of that big
The sisters continue to be amazed smile is
at Pearl’s sweet nature with priceless.
everyone she meets, so Anita is Pearl herself
looking for more opportunities for is priceless.
Pearl to use her gift once COVID Dogs are
restrictions are lifted. She has kind of
considered taking her to the lobby famous for
of the courthouse to help calm being man’s
children or anyone else involved best friend,
in the stressful ordeal of a trial but this little
or court hearing. She would also
love to take her to visit with police
officers and first responders who
have experienced trauma.
Amarillo Senior Link 21
