A Gift of Beauty Cheryle Homuth
Two and one-half years ago a medium-sized black Pomeranian/border collie mix started taking my beginner’s freestyle class at NOCI. She was very shy and hesitant to do some of the moves that we did in the class. Little did I know what her past had been, or what her future would hold. The medium-sized black dog is named Beauty, owned by Carolyn Lemay-Strass. Many of you know Beauty and Carolyn from various classes they have taken at NOCI.
Before living with Carolyn, Beauty lived with an elderly lady that passed away when Beauty was only 4 . years old. Woodstock Veterinary Clinic called Carolyn because they thought she may be able to give Beauty a home. That day was the beginning of an exciting journey for both Beauty and Carolyn. When Carolyn brought her home, Beauty was very docile and gentle but was also very shy and reserved. Carolyn’s constant encouragement helped Beauty to open up and reach out to others (especially the sick and elderly). After she became a certified therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International (TDI), they began to visit residents at nursing homes to spread a little cheer. Currently they volunteer at nursing homes, hospitals and other health care facilities 3 to 4 times per week. Beauty gravitates to those who suffer from Alzheimer’s, dementia, or strokes, intuitively sensing those that need that extra touch of emotional therapy from her. Terminal patients have requested that she come back the next day because Beauty has made them feel so comforted.
Beauty and Carolyn have been celebrated for their many achievements. Last summer, Beauty was featured in the Woodstock Independent newspaper in an article entitled, “Animals at Work” about the dogs that have given back to the community in their own special way. She also received Honorable Mention from Angel Animal’s Network in, “Dogs and the Women Who Love Them”, a 2009 true story contest about animals and their owners. Last fall Beauty was selected to become a member of Loyal Friends Pet Therapy Team with Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care and visits patients in hospice settings. Beauty and Carolyn are currently working toward their TDI-RVA. This is a title that is awarded for remarkable volunteer achievement.
Even though Beauty is very busy with her pet therapy work, she loves to show the spirited side of her personality. She loves to dance in the intermediate freestyle class and during demos that the class has done at retirement centers. When Carolyn puts Beauty’s fancy dancing collar on her, Beauty becomes a little “party animal” and lets everything go. It is a joy to watch. In less than 3 years the journey that Carolyn and Beauty have traveled together has been amazing. I feel fortunate to have experienced Beauty’s growth. As many patients and residents can attest to, she is truly a “Gift of Beauty”.
Photo by Terri Tepper
Story published in the July-August 2010 edition of ‘The Fireplug’, the official newsletter of The Northwest Obedience Club of Illinois
Here is Beauty in action at the 2010 Hearthstone Senior Fair:
