Francesca

In their 2010 Grant Report, The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs told us about the latest senior therapy dog supported by their Grey Muzzle grant. The Sanctuary tells us about little Francesca:  "Francesca Solara was also not adoptable by ordinary standards when she came to us. Abandoned on the streets of a Cleveland, Ohio suburb, Independence, she was frightened, ill, and arthritic. We did not know if she would even survive. But she not only survived, she flourished. And her winsome ways charmed everyone who came into contact with her."

"Francesca has visited dementia patients at a local healthcare facility and will also be visiting the residents and Alzheimer patients at Villa St. Joseph in Garfield Heights as a new assignment. Francesca is a therapy dog in her daily life as well. There is a 98-year-old man who lives alone in Independence. If he is feeling good, down he comes to visit Francesca—she is light enough that she can sit on his lap and not hurt him. He enjoys petting her and giving her treats. When he leaves he always says. "Be a good girl Francesca, see you soon."

Grey Muzzle believes old dogs have much to give and Francesca proves it!