Canine visits brought joy at end of father's life

Canine visits brought joy at end of father's life
EDITOR:
In the Nov. 10 Vindicator, reporter David Skolnick wrote an article titled "Dogs, owners embark on a mission." While the article concerned itself mainly with the testing of the dogs, it only briefly mentioned the main purpose of the group. The article also stated that many of the animals tested the day the reporter visited the group at St. Elizabeth Hospital did not pass the needed requirements. It should be remembered that Delta Society is committed to the safety of all involved, both dogs and people. Also, while there are millions of wonderful dogs across the country, not all dogs find a place visiting hospitals and nursing homes.
In March of this year, my father was hospitalized with an unidentifiable respiratory illness. In great pain, my father's two weeks in the hospital were not just unbearably uncomfortable for him, but torture for my entire family watching him suffer. One evening when I was in the main lobby of the hospital, I met a lady with a golden retriever wearing a purple coat identifying the dog as a member of the K-9s for Compassion pet partner team. I contacted the hospital patient representative and she in turn arranged for two visits from the K-9 dogs. Those two visits were the only bright spots in the entire agony of my father's last days of life. And those two visits were the only time I saw him smile while the dogs sat next to Dad's bed. I would like to extend my gratitude to all the members of the K-9s for Compassion. I know of the hours they spend training the dogs and the stress this places on the dogs and owners. I can tell you, it's all very worthwhile. I really can't thank them enough.
One final note. At my dad's wake, both dogs who visited dad in the hospital were brought to the funeral home by their owners. This wonderful gesture will never be forgotten by my family. K-9s for Compassion served above and beyond the call of duty for my dad and entire Sole family.
FRED SOLE
Poland
Helping other nations is the way the world works
EDITOR:
In September, I celebrated my 69th birthday, and I more than anyone else realize that I have lived through more of life than I have yet to live though.
I was born and raised in Alliance. I served two years in the United States Army from 1954-56 and served in South Korea from November 1955 until June 1956. When I arrived in Korea, two-thirds of Seoul looked like Ground Zero in New York City. There were no functioning public services, service stations etc. I would not ever want to see this country in the same position. Many of the people lived in shacks they built from junk they salvaged from rubble piles of which there was an abundance.
Many of the women from 15 to 30-years-old were working as prostitutes in order to feed their families. I know I was blessed to have been born and raised in the only country in the world that has as much freedom and as many choices as the United States has. I felt obligated to serve in the armed forces to help protect and perpetuate these advantages for my family and all people present and future.
I can no longer serve in the military, however there are still things I can do. From the images on the television, I see the youth of Afghanistan going to school, sitting on the floor with a few books and very minimal school supplies. The world has a golden opportunity in Afghanistan to help this country to become a democracy. I have started a project in Alliance by collecting used school furniture and supplies, medical equipment, books in the English language all types except religious.
Some people have asked me why we should help them. And I reply, when our country was being formed in the late 1700s, we had help from several other countries, and without that help we would not exist as a country today.
JESSE HARRY Jr.
Alliance