GORE BAY—It was hard to determine whether it was the residents of the Manitoulin Lodge Nursing Home or their four-legged dog friends and team members from the Magical Paws Pet Therapy Sudbury-Manitoulin group that was more excited last Thursday evening. A special appreciation night was held in recognition of the weekly trips the Magical Paws team makes to the Manitoulin Lodge.
“I would like to welcome everyone here this evening, the dog owners and the dogs themselves from Magical Paws,” stated Gloria Hall, activities coordinator at the Lodge. “We certainly appreciate all the many smiles and joy that your team brings to our residents here at the lodge.”
Ms. Hall explained, “Mamie Anne Bowerman wanted to do an appreciation evening for you, and pretty well organized this entire event. With all the smiles and joy you bring all of you make an outstanding difference in the lives of our residents.”
“Good evening and welcome to everyone; whether you have two legs or four,” said Ms. Bowerman. “Before I go any further I would like to thank some people for helping me,” she said, naming all those who had a hand in organizing and helping to put on the evening.
“You have been invited here to give us a chance to thank all of you and let you know what a wonderful service you are providing through Magical Paws,” stated Ms. Bowerman.
“Before I introduce my friend I would like to read a couple of pieces I found entitled Teamwork and Why It’s Great to be a Dog. “Teamwork is written about geese, but applies to anyone,” said Ms. Bowerman. “When geese fly in formation, they travel about 70 percent faster than when they fly alone. Geese share leadership. When the lead goose tires, he (or she) rotates back into the V and another flies forward to become the leader. Geese keep company with the fallen. When a sick or weak goose drops out of the flight formation, at least one other goose joins to help and protect. By being part of a team, we too can accomplish much more, much faster. Words of support and encouragement (honking from behind) help inspire and energize those on the front lines, helping them to keep pace in spite of the day to day pressures and fatigue and, finally, showing compassion and active caring for our fellow man-a member of the ultimate team: mankind, and canine kind.”
“The next time you see a formation of geese, remember that it is a reward, a challenge, and a privilege, to be a contributing member of a team,” said Ms. Bowerman.
“All residents and staff extend a huge thank you to everyone on the Magical Paws team for your wonderful service,” said Ms. Bowerman. She then read a poem, “He makes coming home a special experience-whether you’ve been gone for a day, a week or just 15 minutes. Day in and day out, he makes you feel like you’re the most important person in the world. He’s your pet, your best friend and constant companion. And you’ve become as devoted to him as he is to you. Because he’s more than just a dog.”
Ms. Bowerman then read the story of ‘Just a Dog.’ “From time to time, people tell me, ‘lighten up, it’s just a dog,’ or, ‘that’s a lot of money for just a dog.’ They don’t understand the distance travelled, the time spent, or the costs involved for just a dog. Some of my proudest moments have come about with just a dog. Many hours have passed and my only company was just a dog, but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by just a dog, and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of just a dog gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.”
“If you, too, think it’s just a dog, then you will probably understand phrases like just a friend, just a sunrise, or just a promise,” continued Ms. Bowerman. “Just a dog brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of just a dog I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it’s not just a dog but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. Just a dog brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
“I hope that some day they can understand that it’s not just a dog but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being just a man. So the next time you hear the phrase just a dog, just smile, because they just don’t understand.”
Ms. Bowerman then presented hand knit treat bags (that she had made) for the dogs and their owners, as well as a gold medal to each. The presentations were made to Julie McDermid and her dogs River and Muddy Waters, Sue Strain and Maddy and Layla, Jim and Linda Noble and Maja, Molly Denton and Pixi and Chippits, Nolla Lahaie and Joy, Carol Dewar and Pita, Sylvia Fletcher and Winnie, and Joyce Benoit and her dog Paula.