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• Winter 2011/12

Archived Issues

Some fortunate rescued dogs throughout the United States have become therapy dogs. These dogs bring joy to patients in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, residential care facilities and hospice. Missouri is home to many therapy dogs, but one local dog stands out above the rest and has a past full of experience and love, her name is Pumpkin.

Before Pumpkin became a therapy dog, she led an interesting life. After being found roaming the streets of California, she lived a brief time with a foster family before finding a permanent home with Mr. Shulto Johnson. The family and Pumpkin eventually moved to Rogersville, MO, where Johnson subsequently became a patient of Oxford Hospice of Springfield.

It was at this hospice that Johnson met Chaplain Cliff Rawley. When Johnson's health began to fail, at the age of 91, he felt he could no longer adequately take care of Pumpkin. He told Chaplain Rawley that he was concerned Pumpkin would end up in a shelter. After talking it over with his wife Martha, the Rawleys agreed to take Pumpkin and find her a home.

However, Pumpkin had another plan. The Rawleys fell in love with Pumpkin and decided to keep her even though they had never owned a dog. According to Martha, Pumpkin's warm manner and good house training made her an especially welcome companion. These qualities also made her a perfect candidate for a therapy dog.

Pumpkin now lives her ultimate dream--being a hospice therapy dog, offering a "paw" shake, a willingness to be patted, sharing her charm and generally assisting patients. Her work is truly appreciated and she has become loved by many.