Several years ago, Nancy H.'s friends came to Petsmart at 1960 and told us of their dear friend who had just lost her cocker spaniel, George. George was not only Nancy's life, but he was loved by many senior citizens at nursing homes that Nancy would take George to visit. Nancy and George were members of Therapy Pet Pals of Texas and made regular visits to nursing homes and were the only thing that many of the residents had to look forward to. Especially a sweet lady named Anna. Anna and George were best buddies and always looked forward to seeing each other. Sadly, George started having some heart problems and eventually lost the battle and Nancy, Anna and all of the residents at the nursing home were devastated.

As I walked into Petsmart at 1960 for adoptions that morning, I saw that the all breed rescue group had a little buff and white male. The lady with SMART Rescue at 1960 had found him several days earlier and was going to try to place him herself. After a little nudging, I convinced her to let us have him. I held him throughout the adoption and knew that he was a very special boy. When Nancy's friends came in and told us her story, I just knew in my heart that this was the dog for her. There was something special about him. She came over and met him the following day and the rest is history. She named him Teddy Bear and not only is he a licensed therapy dog for the nursing homes, but he is also certified to go to MD Anderson and Texas Childrens Hospital. He has his own name badge that he is required to wear when visiting his friends at the hospital and he even has his own stroller that he rides in. Nancy brought him by my work last week when she was in town and I was fascinated at how much he loves his stroller. He jumps up into it himself and knows that's his "spot". I kept him for about an hour while she ran errands and he stayed in it the whole time waiting for her to come back. Everyone who came in that afternoon petted him and hugged on him and he loved every minute of it. I can only imagine how awesome it would be to be laid up in a hospital and have Teddy come by and share his love.

This is truly a success story and I just know that God sent Teddy to her via Cocker Spaniel Rescue. I love how we touch the lives of dogs but it is a real blessing when we can touch so many peoples lives in the process.

For more information on Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas-Houston, visit www.cockerkids.org.