I didn’t see Ellen when we first came into the Mansion today but Red did. She is new and is settling in. The other residents keep an eye on her and make it a point to sit with her and talk with her, but often, when I come in, she is sitting by herself in a corner of the big old dining room.

I can only imagine the adjustment it is to leave your worldly belonging and life behind, and begin life anew. Red senses need, I don’t know how it works, but he saw it across the room. I believe he helped. He is an amazing animal, and I am so lucky to have him.

Red veered off, skittered across the polished floor (he hates polished floors) and made his way to her. Red seems to know who needs him and who doesn’t.

And Ellen needed him, I think, she leaned over and held him close and they sat like that for a long time. You can write Ellen c/o The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. I believe she would like to hear from you.