Patrick with Kim
A receptionist at
Friendship Hospital for Animals

Patrick with Tammy

Jeff and Cat Cross

Dear Laura and Bob -

Patrick has simply been terrific!!! It does not seem possible that he hasn't always been part of the "Friendship Family". The staff loves him and he flies at all of them to receive the mandatory hugs.  Clients have set up appointments to meet him and he is the recipient of numerous gifts. (His favorite is a stuffed mallard that "Honks"!) Clients and staff keep asking us how such a young puppy can be so unruffled by anything and is so content with whatever comes along. As much as Cat and I would like to take credit, we tell them that you simply did everything right and direct them to your website. Socialization is not the slightest issue with Patrick because of the early work you did with him.  Our only concern is that we will have to get him his own PDA to stay on top of his busy schedule!!!

[The attached picture] is very special to us. Tammy Rife is a 21-year old girl who has been coming to Friendship every Thursday morning for a number of years.  She has a very rare and severe form of muscular dystrophy. Her greatest happiness is being around animals and coming to the clinic is the high point of her week. However, her deteriorating condition makes it increasingly difficult for us to get her close to animals who may be too rambunctious or too nervous about her wheelchair and the various noises it emits. Patrick has now spent two Thursday mornings with her. Cat and I and the entire staff have been dumbfounded at his interaction with Tammy. He plays around for a little while, tugs on a few wheelchair straps, takes a treat and curls up in her lap and sleeps for an hour. Tammy's only comment to us is "I love him and I want him!"

I realize we are talking about a 9-week old puppy but it is hard to express how intuitive and gentle he has been with Tammy right from the start. It is wonderful for Cat and I to imagine what a great dog he will be with time and training. We hope the look on Tammy's face as Patrick sits in her lap will tell you what a wonderful dog you have brought into the lives of people like her. I hope seeing Patrick begin his career will raise awareness of how many roles these wonderful dogs can take on. There is no doubt in my mind that Patrick could be in the field in the morning and visiting hospice in the afternoon.

Again, Cat and I thank you both for your dedication to Llewellins!

--Jeff Cross, April 2006
Friendship Hospital for Animals

(Patrick (aka Bixby) is from Litter B- Whelped January 27th, 2006 was adopted by Jeff and Cat Cross (a veterinarian) and will be a therapy dog for handicapped and hospice patients as well as a "mascot" at their veterinary clinic. What a wonderful career Patrick is embarking upon!   They've even mentioned us on their website! (click here)

Update: 10/04/07

All is well in "Patrick-world" as you can imagine.  He has grown into a tall, beautiful boy with a wonderful temperament. He's just the happiest guy we know!!!! His therapy career continues on track and we are concentrating increasingly on working with the elderly (Alzheimer's patients included) and kindergarten/elementary age children. The "P" is getting a reputation as a good dog to bring in to spend time with children who may be fearful of dogs. Having Patrick drop that handsome setter head of his in a little one's lap is a great conversation starter about dogs. Two area schools have actually scheduled visits from "the little man" as Cat calls him.

Tammy is also no longer able to come to the clinic...her condition had been deteriorating and she has become increasingly confined. The last pictures we took of her were with Patrick and her Hickory Hollow cap. Tammy has no strength in either hand so when she is walking or holding Patrick he knows he can't pull. He is very patient with her. Also, Tammy's wheelchair controls are on the left side because she has no control of her right hand. Although Patrick has been trained to heel on the left side when walking, he has learned to always be on Tammy's right side so that his leash does not interfere with the controls. How's that for a smart boy?!? Finally, Tammy's caregiver called this morning to say Tammy wore her cap with her pajamas to breakfast recently. Now THAT'S the picture we wish we could have!!!!