Shirley is a big dog lover, and she took to Gus, on his third visit as a therapy dog. He is doing very well, used to being handled, affectionate and calm. His attention span is not long, but that will change in time, I think. The Mansion residents already love seeing him, Shirley and Robert moved in together, they are the only married couple in the Mansion. They are waiting for a big room to open up so they can be together.

But they are happy to be in a place where they can be cared for, Bob says it is a relief not to drive anymore or have to shop. Shirley held Gus to her heart for a long time, it was pleasing to see it.

The Mansion is quiet on holidays, it is my favorite time to visit.  There is a sense of peace there, and the passage of time is comforting.

The Mansion residents stop me in the hallway to tell me about the letters they are receiving from all over the country. Some are making lists of the locations where the letters are coming from, and the list has every state in the United States except Alaska. There are also letters from England, Spain, Belgium, and Mexico.

Gus has the makings of a great dog, he has melded perfectly with our lives so far. He just gets life her and fits himself in.

You can write the residents of the Mansion c/o The Mansion 11 S. Union Street, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. The current names list are Bruce, Allan, Sylvie, Jean, John Z, Tim, John R, Alanna, Peggie, Ellen, Joan, Brenda, Connie, Alice, Madeline, Mary, Barbara, William, Brother Peter, Diane, Helen, Jane, Dottie, Anita, Richard, Gerry, Charlotte, Arthur, Shirley and Robert.