I became interested in the breed Great Pyrenees, over 20 years ago when I acquired my first Great Pyrenees. It was at that moment when I first met her that I fell in love with the breed as a whole. Great Pyrenees are an amazing breed of dog due to their gentle and caring nature. My next step in the process was purchasing a dog that had already been championed. This sparked my overall interest in dog shows. I became fascinated with the precision and poise the sport required. I aspired to one day breed and show dogs of my own. It was with this dream in mind that I obtained another dog, Britannia, whom I was fortunate enough to be able to show myself, with the assistance of another handler. As my love for the big fluff balls increased, so did my desire to have more. I purchased yet another Great Pyrenees, with the intention of raising, and showing her by myself. It was a difficult task at times, and I admit that I did need a helping hand occasionally. However, I alone bore the grunt of the work. It was at that point, I knew I was ready to take my first tentative step into the world of a professional dog breeder. I wanted to stand out, and be different. I knew that Great Pyrenees had more to offer the world than most other breeds of dog. They brought a unique brand of joy into my life that I hoped to replicate for others. In the years to come, I have bred not only dogs that would go on to become champions, but also have their CGC (canine Good Citizen), and their therapy dog license.

I have come a long way since the beginning. I now volunteer, bi-weekly, at North Shore LlJ Hospital in Manhasset, Long Island, New York. My daughter, Michelle, volunteers alongside me, as we both strive to bring smiles to the faces of many who have gone through difficult times. The dogs and I have visited the Center for Extended Care and Rehabilitation, the psychiatric ward, the children's section, the stroke unit, the cardiac floor, palliative care, floor, and finally, the cardiac floor. I am planning to extend my unique brand of pet therapy to other sections of the hospital in the near future. It is the responses that I have received from various patients that reassure me that this is not time wasted. Knowing I helped them brings a smile to my face, while the dogs bring a smile to theirs.

One particular instance stands out very clearly in my mind. One afternoon, during my weekly visit the stroke unit, I was introduced to a 40 year old woman, who had recently suffered a stroke, while on vacation with her family. She had lost all movement in her body. Her entire family bore witness as my dogs and I entered the room. My very loving dog, Orion, gently laid his head on her chest, and looked deep into her eyes. It was at that moment, while Orion's breath ticked her cheek, that I picked up her hand and helped her stroke his head. I spoke to her, not as if she were a woman who recently had a stroke and could not understand me, but as if she were the vibrant, fun-loving woman she had been before the incident. The attention of everyone in the room was captivated when she started to twitch her fingers in the hand stroking Orion, regained eye movement, and smiled. At that moment, there wasn't a dry eye in the room.

As evidenced in my experience, pet therapy is a real therapy that can improve a person's condition and brighten the lives of many. As someone who loves both animals, and people, I strive to intermingle both and increase the happiness of those who have been hurt and ensure their loved ones that although things might seem bleak, there is always a lighter side to life. I am proud to say that in every litter of dogs that I have produced, I have effectively carried on the proud tradition of pet therapy, and passed its joys along to the new owners of the puppies. The cycle of happiness will not end with me. I am confident that the chain I have created will flourish and spread happiness to everyone touched by its influence.... THE LEGACY LIVES ON!

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