In the evening, I often find Alice sitting alone in the Activity Room, she is always happy to see Red. When the sofa is not occupied, I point to the cushions and Red hops up, careful not to land too close to Alice or on her.

Border collies are agile enough to land where I want them to land. Alice talks to Red and strokes his head and arms for as long as we can stay – usually ten to fifteen minutes. She often says she could sit there all night with him.

He is a wonderful therapy dog. Monday, I hope to bring Bud to the Mansion and begin his therapy dog training. We’ll see. Red is a touch act to follow.

If you wish, you can contribute to my work at the Mansion by sending a donation to Jon Katz, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816, or via Paypal, [email protected]. Small donations matter, thanks. Please mark your payment “The Mansion.” I hope to get a Karaoke Machine soon.