Therapy pooch bears the gift of companionship for some

Bonnie Cambell, who’s a Seal Beach local, wants to find a new place of work for her therapy dog, Goldie, a gentle and kind-hearted golden retriever.  Goldie has worked at the Caleo Bay Alzheimer’s Special Care center in La Quinta, California, where she was approved for active duty as a therapy dog after being certified as a therapy dog by Loving All Animals, a non-profit organization dedicated to forming partnerships between various animal welfare organizations for the benefit of animals in need.

            At Caleo Bay, pet visits are a part of the Alzheimer’s care curriculum and Goldie brings companionship to senior citizens suffering from Alzheimer’s.  During one visit to the center, Cambell explains how one particular resident believes that Goldie is his dog and that it can be difficult to get Goldie out of the center when her shift is over.

            “Goldie has a way of connecting people without speaking and seeing the smiles on these people’s faces when Goldie kisses their hands makes this work worth it.”

            There are similar experiences at the Pegasus Therapeutic Riding center, a center for disadvantaged and impaired children.  Goldie’s job at the Pegasus Center is to simply provide friendly companionship to these children whom may find difficulty in connecting with other human beings.

            Anyone who would like to suggest a new place of work for Goldie, preferably at a location in Seal Beach, can reach Bonnie Cambell at (562)430-3140.  Mrs. Cambell enjoys the helpful work that she’­s a part of in La Quinta but the long drive is a large burden on her and she would like to place Goldie at a closer facility.