I write this with a heavy heart yet a glad heart. We lost our beloved chocolate Labrador, Lily, on May 23. Lil touched the lives of so many people – young and old.
When we acquired Lily back in 2007 from our son, I knew I wanted to do something special with her. Along with my then 10-year-old grand daughter, Amelia, we took Lily to therapy dog training classes with Mary Finlayson. Lily passed with flying colors! We joined a therapy dog group called “Caring Paws,” TDI Chapter 205, headed up by Kathy Lorenz, and we met some amazing people. We visited nursing homes and schools but found our niche at the Concord Public Library. Lily became the first dog to do the newly formed “Paws For Pages” program at the library where children would come in to read, show pictures or just plain sit and pet her. We were the proud recipients (along with Brenda Stern and her dog, Sparkle) of the Elizabeth Yates award given yearly to a person (usually) who inspires children to read. Lily loved the attention and she loved the children. Because of this venture, we met some wonderful folks (Pam Stauffacher and Kerry Bird among the many) and have great memories. Lily pushed on the last year, although I could see she was a little more tired and achey. She was heading for her 16th birthday in August! Her association with the people perked her up. Lily expanded my life here in Concord, and I am so very grateful and proud of her!
Letting Lily go was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. My husband, Bill, and I want to thank everyone for their kind words and actions over the last few weeks. They are definitely helping us get through.
A very special debt of gratitude to Dr. Iris McMorrow of Russell Animal Hospital for her kind and compassionate handling of us and our dear Lily.
Janet and Bill Ulbrich, Brian and Russell Ulbrich, Wendy Ramsey and their families
