Where Are They Now?
Minnesota Therapy Animals
Archives

Our feedback suggests that
our readers always enjoy
these real life stories.  Going
forward, the site will archive
Where Are They Now?


Ann & Kelsey Bryant

Kelsey and I have been a therapy team for
over 3 years and are active members of  Pals
on Paws,  and Therapy Dogs International,   
Kelsey is a 10 year old, very sweet golden
retriever.  She has earned her CDX
obedience title and TDIAOV from TDI.  
Presently we visit Unity and Mercy Hospitals,
Crystal Care Center and Osseo Gardens.

What a wonderful feeling it is to be able to walk into a hospital lobby and make everyone smile!
We visit each hospital twice a month.  The patients AND staff love sharing their stories of the “fur-
kids” they have had in the past or have now at home.  We offer a few minutes of happiness and
calm to what otherwise can be a very stressful place.

I especially enjoy visiting the geriatric mental health floor. I have noticed, when we walk in, the
patients are usually very quiet, but when they see and pet the dogs they suddenly start talking to
each other about the dogs they have had. It is so much fun to see them “open up”!   We never
know what we are going to encounter when we are welcomed into a patient’s room. I love to see
their faces light up when we…(Ok, let’s be honest)  Kelsey enters the room. We’ve had patients
cry because they miss their dogs (and/or cats) so much and are so happy to see Kelsey.  There
are also wonderful stories about patients who are said to be non-responsive, turn their head and
reach out their hand to pet Kelsey. It’s also nice to visit the waiting rooms and spend time with the
patient’s families; they seem to enjoy the few minutes away from their worries!   

We visit Osseo Gardens (assisted living) on the third Saturday of the month and Crystal Care
Center (nursing home) every other Sunday. We have come to know a lot of these residents and
their families very well, even to the point of sending birthday cards and attending funerals… the
sad part of the job. If we visit near a holiday, Kelsey will usually be “dressed” for the occasion….
the residents love that!  We also enjoy attending their holiday bazaars and fund raisers.

We have met so many wonderful patients, nurses and staff members, all of whom are very
accommodating, supportive and very appreciative.  We are fortunate to be welcomed into these
special facilities.  

I believe I have changed since we’ve started the therapy visits. I have learned to slow down and
enjoy the moment.  With Kelsey to help “break the ice”, I am becoming a better communicator and
listener. We’ve made many new friends (humane and canine) since joining Pals on Paws, many
with whom we visit regularly. We are so proud of our dogs and it’s a pleasure to share them with
such special people.

Ann Bryant and Kelsey (Dakota Kelsey's Golden Wish)