When Mikey walks into Lakeside Beikirch Care Center in Brockport, there are always smiles, greetings, and hugs for the 110 pound Goldendoodle. He is a gentle giant therapy dog who saunters down the hallways and into resident's rooms with his "mom," Dianne Hickerson. Meeting new people, Mikey sits in front of them and offers a paw. With kids he calmly lies down on the floor so he doesn't overwhelm them. With staff members he rolls over on his back for rubs on the chest. Since January of 2006, Mikey and Hickerson, who live in the town of Sweden, have visited residents every Monday morning. "We look forward to it," said Ruth Stephenson, a 95-year-old resident. "When he comes, we brighten up." Entering a room, Mikey walks up to the resident with a wagging tail and a soft greeting in his brown eyes. He lies down quietly while Hickerson chats. When needed, he responds to moods, placing his head or huge paw on the edge of the bed of a resident who might be weeping or telling a sad story. He sometimes dispels sadness with a kiss on the face, bringing laughter. His mother, a Golden Retriever, gave him his gentle nature. His father, a Standard French Poodle, made him non-shedding, another desirable quality of a therapy dog. Mikey has graduated from several training classes and has earned his Canine Good Citizen Certificate. To be certified as a therapy dog required additional training and strict testing by the Therapy Dogs International organization. Mikey passed the test on his first try and never had to take the 10-week course. He has received the Certificate of Outstanding Achievement from Therapy Dogs International for the large number of therapy visits he has made to Beikirch. With so many admirers, he has become somewhat of a celebrity and another identity for Hickerson. She is used to being recognized for her watercolor art and accomplishments. Now, she meets many people whose first words are, "You're Mikey's 'mom,' aren't you?" © September 16, 2007 - Westside News Inc. |
