Seniors at center enjoy puppy tale plus real thing

The residents at Shepherd of the Valley didn’t mind a little visit from a Yorkshire puppy.

BY MAYSOON ABDELRASUL

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

NILES — We all know dogs can’t talk. But if they could, it would be quite interesting to hear what they have to say.

Marjorie Yobe lets her audience know what her dog is thinking and speaks in its place.

She’s the author of the book, “The Adventures of Little Tyke,” and she gave a presentation Wednesday afternoon at Shepherd of the Valley retirement center.

Her entire presentation involved saying what Tyke, her Yorkshire puppy, would say if he could talk. The audience laughed as she described Tyke’s adventures.

Because of some computer glitches, she was unable to put her PowerPoint presentation on the screen. But to keep the small audience entertained, she surprised them with her 1-year-old Yorkshire puppy, Missy.

She said normally Missy comes out at the end to make the story come to life.

The ladies in the audience were shocked when they saw her, but everyone wanted to hold her and play with her.

“It feels so good to put your hands on something like that, especially if you can’t see well,” one lady noted.

Yobe’s book came out last December by PublishAmerica, and she has another out soon titled “Trouble with a Capital T!.” This book is about her dog Abby and all the trouble she gets into.

Yobe, who lives in Trumbull County, has six dogs, and she said she trains them to be people friendly.

“They are not just pets,” she said. “They are members of the family.”

Yobe said she also visits preschools and any facility that would like her to make a presentation.

What’s going on

The program is part of Shepherd of the Valley’s celebration of Assisted Living Week ending this Friday. This year’s theme is Legacies of Love.

Sandy Ozanich, assistant coordinator for Assisted Living week, said this “is a chance to put residents, staff and families of residents in the spotlight.”

The week always starts during Grandparents Day, and everyone enjoys the various activities. “It’s just a really nice week, and we all have a good time,” Ozanich said.

Earlier Wednesday, a local appraiser was on hand, and many clients brought items to be appraised.

Shepherd of the Valley in Niles’ Assisted Living center has 80 clients, and 96 is the maximum the facility can hold.

Ozanich said sometimes there are husband-and-wife couples that are in the same room, and she hosted a sweetheart dance for them.