I’ve had three dogs who did therapy work – Izzy, Lenore, and Red. Lenore’s hospice career was cut short when patient’s food began disappearing from trays. She was, of course, a Lab, and her appetite sometimes was bigger than her great heart.

Izzy and Red had the gift, and I never fully understood it, even as  I wondered at it. Madeline has just arrived at the Mansion, and I can only imagine how big a transition that must be for her. She was poised, calm and cheerful, a brave and grounded human being.

She sounded like the tough, seasoned Brooklyn native that she is.

If she showed any emotion at all, it was when Red came up to her and put his head in  her lap and looked up to her, I could see by the way she touched and held him how much that meant to her. At 94, Madeline is very much alive and in the world, and we’ll get her over to Bedlam Farm as soon as there is a nice and warm day.

Red will check in regularly.