One of Heli's many gifts to Society

This letter is re-printed with permission:
CLARKE JOHNSON, Mahone Bay, written in October 2006
ST. JOHN AMBULANCE THERAPY DOG PROGRAM
SOUTH SHORE REGIONAL COORDINATOR

I have known this woman and what has been done to her is unconscionable. There is no way that she could have indicated that she wanted to go to England. About two years ago , her husband contacted me to see if she could become a St. John Ambulance therapy dog team. He thought it would be very good therapy for her also. She and her dog were wonderful candidates for the program and passed the evaluation. They lived in Lunenburg at the time, across the street from the hospital. Every week I would go to her place and we would walk to the hospital with her dog spike and visit the Vets Wing and the ALC unit. She is a gentle soul with a real skill for therapy dog work. Partly from her work experience and partly from her wonderful heart. I learned from her and use her as an example for our new teams. When we were leaving a residents room she would say "Thank you for your hospitality" This was what its about. This is indeed the residents home which they have allowed us to visit. Her dog was the cutest little jigger you could ask for . There is a photo I took of "Spike" and a resident which we have used on one of our brochures. Sandy, her husband thought that perhaps Heli could continue in the program for a year before she deteriorated to the point she could not continue. I enjoyed our visits together each weak and would visit in their home. Sandy was very caring and would help her get ready and make sure she had her SJA shirt and id badges on and a sweater if it was cool. He had labeled each cupboard door and drawer in the kitchen with their contents and notes posted everywhere for her. Any one familiar with Alz. will recognize this situation. They moved to the valley and I went up and arranged for her to continue her visits at Sandy's request in Windsor. I went up a second time to accompany her on her first visit there and the rec. coordinator accompanied us. They were thrilled to have her visit and to accommodate Heli's needs they continued to accompany her on each visit. The last time I seen Heli was when her husband was down to Lunenburg on business and asked if I could accompany her again. This time I noticed for the first time her sinking further into the morass of the disease. When a resident asked how old "Spike" was she turned to me and she was lost, she know longer could remember how old her beloved dog was.

I know very little about Alz but I have been reading books on the subject, and taking workshops whenever they come up at the facilities. My awareness is much more after knowing Heli and also visiting an Alz. wing every week with "Roxy". This has to be pure hell for Heli. Her home is here . What has been done to her is beyond barbaric. I have been following this through her husband Sandy and a family friend who is a leader in the field of Alzheimers and they have basicly been stymied by local attempts and the barrier of distance and nations.

Clarke