"The best medicine is a puppy licking your face!" I love that quote. It's so true. What can make you feel better? Nothing, in my mind.

As many of you know, my father has ALS (aka Lhou Gherig's disease). He is in a wheelchair, on a ventilator, has a feeding tube, and can't speak. It's hard for everyone in the family, but I can't even begin to imagine how hard it is for he himself to have to watch his body deteriorate and not be able to do anything to stop it. He was depressed and sad, like anyone would be. Then, we got Daisy. He was against getting a dog from the beginning, he said we had enough problems in the family. But we got her, and every night he thanks God that we have her. They have such a special bond! She plays with everyone, head butting and jumping around, but when I place her on his lap, she knows to be gentle, and she sits there, kissing his face until he can't stop laughing. He loves to watch her crazy hound antics and laugh. You should see his eyes when he looks at her! They shine! They really do. When he isn't feeling well, she will just go sit by him next to his wheelchair and he will reach down and slowly pet her, calming him and actually exercising his arm at the same time. She does so much for him. They love each other so much and she pulled him out of his depression rut. He is happier than he was by far, and we owe it all to Daisy. Okay, I've babbled on enough about Dad and Daze now...

Annie, your stories were beautiful. You must feel so great to know you have really made a difference in a life. I think you and Cora are great for what you are doing. Someday I hope to enter a program like that with Daisy. Maybe to a nursing home or something. After all... they look like her... wrinkly and droopy!