I’m happy to report that Zinnia resumed her therapy work at the Mansion this afternoon after an absence of nearly six months. I am not permitted in the Mansion yet – it might be a while – so Julie, the Mansion Activities Director came out and put Zinnia on her leash.

The Mansion residents are expected to observe social distancing, but they were very excited to see Zinnia, about a half dozen came out onto the porch to wait for her.

I wait outside in the car, reading or talking on my cell. The residents keep coming up to talk to me, but I had to stop them. I can’t get closer than 40 yards to the Mansion.

Julie took her room to room and then into the Memory Care Unit. I wish I could have been there, but I am very happy she got to go back to work.

This is also our plan for Bishop Maginn, I’ll drive to Albany, turn her over to Sue, who adores her, and wait outside and read or go get some Thai food.

Julie said she was wonderful, she greeted everybody, there was a lot of excitement. She also tried to gulp down some crumbs off the dining room floor. She is a Lab, through and through.

This makes me happy. I’ve worked hard to train these therapy dogs and that was an introduction to the Army Of Good. It means a lot to me to learn her training is still working with her. She does a lot of good.

I could use some support for the Mansion fight, we are planning a series of entertainment evenings for the restless and unhappy residents. I’d also like to resume the weekly lunches from Jean’s Place, we are having one tomorrow but I don’t want to run the fund down too low.

If you can contribute – Fall is coming and I’m told the new residents need some clothes – that would be great. I’m also supplying some Price Chopper Gift Cards to the aides who need them.

We’re looking to bring some musicians or singers into the Mansion. It’s great to have the therapy dog working again, it was strange not to be working with her.

If you wish to contribute, you can do so via Paypal, [email protected], or by check, Jon Katz, Mansion Fund, P.O.  Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. Thanks much.