A staffer came up to me at the Mansion today and asked if I would spend some time with Diane, she was restless today, pacing the halls and distracted. I approached her with a book we could read together and she did read for awhile, but then I saw she kept looking at Red, she loves animals Red was zeroing in on her, as she does.

I thought he might be what she needed, and I decided he needed to get up on the couch with her, so I pointed and said “up” and he jumped up and the two of them communed for awhile, and Diane calmed down before my eyes.

She kept saying to Red, “no one will hurt you, I won’t let anyone hurt you,” over and over again until she was at ease and totally focused on him, and he on her. Red is an analyst in his own right.

He has the power to soothe and perhaps heal. Animals have enormous healing powers.

You can write to Diane and the other residents of the Mansion c/o The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.  Here is a list of the Mansion residents who wish to receive  your cards or messages or photos. A box of stuffed animals arrived at the Mansion today for Valentine’s day, and thanks.

The names are Winnie, Jean, Ellen, Mary, Gerry, Sylvie, Jane, Diane, John, Alice, Jean, Madeline, Joan, Alan, Bill, John K, Helen, Bob, Alanna, Barbara, Peggie, Dorothy, Tim, Debbie, Art, Guerda, Brenda, Wayne, Ken, Ruth.

Thanks, your letters mean so much to them. On Valentine’s Day we will open your many gifts and packages and letters, and the Round House Cafe is offering a special lasagna lunch with cookies and cakes.I’m thinking about Easter now.