Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House is based on seniors Frankie and I have met, and have come to know at Libby’s House, where most of the residents have Alzheimer’s or dementia. There are many times some of them talk in circles, such as Emma, a friend in our book. But she always has the time of her life telling us her stories, that we can’t help but listen. Maybe it sounds odd, but for me, it seems to be the calmest and least stressful hour of my month when Frankie and I visit with our friends at Libby’s House.
Janet (pictured above and not her real name) is a character in my book. And I mean character! She cracks me up all the time. When I first met her I learned a valuable lesson; Don’t take anything she says personally. The first time I met her, she looked down and saw Frankie, and gruffly said, “I don’t like dogs! And I don’t like cats or fish either. I flushed my fish down the toilet.” She actually has a fear of dogs because she was bit by several of them when she was young.
Over time I slowly approached her with Frankie. One day she reached out and pet Frankie… and squealed with delight! We made a break through! She grinned from ear to ear. Ever since then she shares things with me about her life. She can be oh so tough on the outside, but on the inside she is a real sweetheart. I’ve really come to enjoy spending time with her. And she will giggle and giggle when Frankie licks her arm. I don’t know if she still does not like cats or fish, but I do know she has taken a liking to little Frankie.