Maple Grove Homecare Provider Accompanies Therapy Dog to Relay, Fair
Meet Henry. Henry is a member of one Minnesota BrightStar office. Rick Gass, Maple Grove homecare provider, has added Henry to their medical staffing team. A certified pet therapy dog, Henry is a Golden-Doodle (or as they like to call him, "The Dood") that can provide a wide range of care, from childcare to elder care, for clients ranging in needs and abilities.
Henry has had a BUSY summer. This past weekend he was exceptionally busy. On Friday, August 6, he participated in the Relay for Life, Maple Grove. He was one of three dogs to attend. Along with Henry, there was Murry a Golden Retriever, and Morgan a very tiny 5 month old Yorkie. Morgan was lucky; she was able to ride in her person’s basket on a motorized scooter. Henry and Murry were walkers. And walk they did!
The Maple Grove Relay for Life is well attended. Over 350 people participated, and rallied for those who are fighting, and who have fought. There were survivors with more than 20+ years under their belt, and people who had been diagnosed 48 hours prior to the walk! It was an AMAZING night of laughter and tears. Henry walked with anyone who would hold his leash. He walked with his person, Teddy.
Teddy uses a power chair and Henry has learned to match his pace to the speed of the chair. Teddy is not a cancer survivor, but a child who is affected by Mitochondrial Disease. Teddy was there to support his aunt and uncle, who are both fighting different cancers. Henry walked with a member of the Maple Grove team when he wanted a slower pace, and rested with those at the campsite when a well-deserved break was warranted.
What struck the BrightStar Maple Grove team was how he walked with pride during the Lap of Silence. This is when all of the lights at the stadium were extinguished, and only the luminaries that lined the track were lit. Also, in the stadium bleachers, the white luminaries’ bags spelt out the word "HOPE" and lit the night. He walked a slow lap, with grace. His ever-swishing tail was still, and he walked slowly. I think he could sense the tears that were being shed, and could feel the anguish many of the walkers expelled. And Murry, he laid on the grass by the track, with his head down. He, too, felt the sadness. And when the Lap of Silence was over, and the music took on a new tempo, Henry’s tail began to swish again, and Murry went on to find someone who would throw the ball again. The two big dogs brought many smiles to faces that needed a break from their sadness. They seemed to know who would like to walk the track, and who appreciate some company at the camp. And even little Morgan knew the importance of snuggling up in a lap and watching the activities from her person’s arm while sharing her warmth and heart.
And after all of that excitement on Friday, Henry did something way out of the box! Teddy and Henry were guests at the Armstrong Kennels Game Fair, an event for outdoor enthusiasts with hunting dogs everywhere. Henry wasn't intimidated at all; he loves to be with Teddy and seeing all of the sights. Teddy was the Demo Boy for ActionTrackChair. It is a power chair designed for people who want to GET OUT THERE! Teddy has used the chair to participate in events like Turkey Hunting through USSA; the United Special Sportsman Alliance. This group, USSA, helps people who have life threatening illnesses, and/or disabled Vets who want to participate in life doing what they enjoy, hunting, fishing and camping. They have made so many things possible for Teddy. So, on Saturday, in 90+ degree heat, the dynamic duo, Teddy and Henry, moved around the Game Fair, showing off the ease of using the Action Track Chair, and how it can make MORE possible.
What’s next for Henry? He is hoping to get up to the cabin to enjoy a pontoon ride, and perhaps chase a squirrel or two. After all, it is summer break, right?