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Poland SOV welcomes unofficial mascot
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Sheba the Wonder Dog was happy to receive pats on her head and scratches behind the ears from Shepherd of the Valley residents during her visit at the facility on Dec. 22. Sheba was shown around by her owner Lucy Bertner (left).
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Sheba (right), the pug of Shepherd of the Valley employee Lucy Bertner, said hello to Bertner's mom, Joan Pucci (left).
By SARAH FOOR
For the past three years, Poland Shepherd of the Valley’s unofficial mascot has been lifting residents’ spirits and aiding recovery. She was at it again on Dec. 22.
Sheba, Lucy Bertner’s pug, visited a group of residents at Shepherd of the Valley to brighten their day. Bertner brought along a few outfits for Sheba that brought smiles to the faces of the residents, including a red coat that had Santa perched on Sheba’s back.
With treats as motivation, Bertner showed off a few simple tricks her pup had mastered. Sheba then made her way around the room, where residents gave her a small treat and were able to give her a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears.
Bertner said Sheba’s road to being a therapy dog was a long, but enjoyable, one.
“She’s really had to harness her ability to be in good behavior at all times. Our certification came from a therapy dog school in Alliance where she had to follow directions even when left alone and to always have a gentle touch with people. Everyone at the facility has really embraced her and she’s known around here as ‘Sheba the wonder dog,’” Bertner said with a laugh.