Madeline moved into the Mansion Assisted Care Facility this week, she spent almost all of her life in Brooklyn, the country is strange for her, Red spotted her right away and the two bonded immediately. I was impressed with Madeline, she is 94 years old and in strong and good health. She is eager to visit the farm if the winter doesn’t settle in and grip all of us.

I am, as always, struck by Red’s ability to see the people who wish to connect to him and avoid those who don’t. Not everyone in the Mansion wants to be with a therapy dog, and Red seems to have radar that tells him who is who. We are going back to see Madeline on Monday.

I will write more about the letters, cards, aghans,  stuffed animals, letters and cards and crafts pouring into the Mission from you very good people reading the blog. The Mansion has set up three separate billboards to show off some, not all of the cards. The residents are sharing them, reading them, appreciating them tremendously. Thank you so much, you can write to the residents of the Mansion at: The Mansion, 11 S. Union Street, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

I am humbled by your generosity and empathy.