Loved Past WTTD Members

Kicker and Jo Anne were a team for many years. Jo Anne states that "he was amazing at what he did and I was just lucky to be along for the ride." Kicker was one of the last remaining teams that started the program at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital years ago. Kicker was the only dog nominated as "Volunteer of the Year" at St Jude. He also started the pet therapy program at the West Clinic Cancer Center.   Some of his favorite visits were to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, The Exceptional Foundation, Temple Israel Early Learning Center and Memphis International Airport.  Kicker was invited to be introduced at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City in honor of his work as a therapy dog. Kicker was an amazing dog and is deeply missed.

L.E. became the #1 most titled stockdog PULI in the world as she competed at the advanced level on both sheep and ducks (21 titles). She qualified as a Therapy Dog and made visits to autistic children and nursing homes. L.E. entertained the Children at the Juvenile Detention Center every other Saturday. With her long cords and sweet personality she is a Super Star and everybody knows her name! L.E. will be missed!

Chloe was a bloodhound that began her life with Lisa Hiatt as a search and rescue K9 with a local Sheriff’s dept. . After noticing the soothing affect her huggable personality had at search scenes, she told Lisa that she would really love to visit people who needed a smile or encouragement on a difficult day. Chloe loved Lisa’s homemade liver cookies, hugs, ear rubs and loved to play fetch in the water. Chloe, you were loved and will be missed.

Lucy, was a senior golden retriever,and a highly accomplished field trial competitor.  Lucy retired after achieving the status of Field Champion and Amateur Field Champion.  After Lucy and Laurie both retired, it became important to them to give back after their successful careers.  LeBonheur was their first choice to volunteer.  Although Lucy was an enthusiastic competitor, she was also gentle, eager to please and loved the children at LeBonheur. Lucy, you were deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

Tootsie retired on Dec. 31, 2016 at the age of 13 after serving as a Therapy Dog for over 8 years.She worked as a hospice volunteer and visited in nursing homes. Tootsie was also a valued R.E.A.D. Member and served at the Bartlett Library for over 5 years. >Thank you, Tootsie, for your many years of service. Enjoy your retirement.

Lexie was a Labradoodle who had unusual green eyes. Lexie loved her weekly visits to LeBonheur Children's Hospital where she put lots of smiles on the faces of children, parents and staff.  Lexie's most favorite thing to do was retrieve a toy or a ball. Lexie was quite a good swimmer and loved to play with other dogs.  Lexie you will be deeply missed

Kyle's Jammin Jinx wasan affectionate Beagle who just loved her "visits" to my grandmother's nursing home from the time she was a puppy.  Jinx primarily visited with the elderly in nursing homes and memory care facilities.  Thank you for your 10 years of service.

Teva was a rare 13 lb Coton de Tulear.  Teva was everything a therapy dog can be...loved children and adults, went to schools, hospitals, the airport, loved one-on-one visits...in fact, there was nothing this little girl didn't like. She was a very special dog. Teva, you are deeply missed.

Bailey was a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and has been an “unofficial” therapy dog since birth.  He has brought so much comfort and joy to the people he has met.  From children to seniors, everyone smiles and wanted to interact with him when they meet.  The more people the happier he was!    I want to thank all the wonderful people and therapy teams who have encouraged and supported us as a Therapy Dog Team. Bailey was a wonderful Therapy Dog and we will miss you.

Little Man was a pure bred Maltese Poodle. He came into my world at 8 weeks old.  I was battling a long term illness and needed a diversion.  In other words Little Man became therapy to me.  We did everything together living on a small pond in Mississippi.  Together we spent time at a houseboat harbor where he was welcomed by all and all new his name.  It so happened that I became a helicopter pilot before he entered my world and when he was 10 weeks old he became my co-pilot. At 5000 feet altitude 120 miles an hour he would poke his nose out of the vent window pinning every hair on his cute little head straight back then snort in the smells… he loved it and we flew many miles together.  Forward to my sick times - Little Man was always there no matter how I felt or looked.  Then GOD stepped in and gave me a second chance.  After recovery many things had changed but Little Man had not. It took little time to decide our fate.  Give back to others what he did for me.  Amazingly, Little Man's fame has spread. As we walked the hallways people spole his name.   Little Man was a true service to people in need. Your love was contagious and you will be missed by many.

Annie was a friendly black Lab. We were proud to be a member of West TN Therapy Dogs for many years. I have always been extra gentle and sweet. I loved everyone and never met a stranger. Thank you Annie for your service and we hope you enjoy your remaining years of liesure.

Tanglewood’s Stylin by Hugo Boss, (aka Boss), has done a great job in following in his brothers (Kickers) footsteps.  Big shoes to fill I must add!   He always has a smile on his face and has personality plus! Boss, along with Kicker, started the animal assisted therapy program at The West Clinic Cancer Center.   Boss also loves visiting The Exceptional Foundation where he often goes to work with his handler and owner, Jo Anne, aka JoJo. One of the many tricks that he has learned is Stop, Drop and Roll and his most famous trick of all, sneezing on command!    Boss is a registered READ Dog and enjoys the kids reading to him at various libraries and the Early Learning Center at Temple Israel.  On the weekends you might spot Boss and other teams at the Memphis International Airport, greeting travelers with a great big smile.   Boss is the ideal therapy dog and brings joy to everyone he meets! Boss is also known for "walking himself" with his leash in his mouth!

He will be missed!

Missy is a Labrador Retriever, who has lived with Linda since she was found as a puppy wandering the city streets of Memphis alone and scared.  She developed into a wonderful companion, excelling in obedience training and social settings. It was immediately evident that her intelligence, personality, and temperment would make her an ideal therapy dog. Through training at Tri County Obedience in Olive Branch, MS, Missy earned her CGC Certificate in June, 2010.  She completed all requirements for Therapy Dogs Inc. registration in January, 2012. Missy and Linda visitDiversicare of Southaven and LifePointe Village, both senior living facilities in Southaven, MS.  Whether she is chasing squirrels from the back yard, retrieving the morning newspaper from the driveway, or playing 'dead' for her nursing home regulars, Missy brings a smile to all those around her. Enjoy your retirement, Missy.

Brixey has passed over the Rainbow Bridge after 4 years of Therapy Work.  She worked at LeBonheur for 4 years on the Surgery Floor, following in the paw prints of her Mother, Lucy.  Brixey had loads of energy and personality, but her gentle manner with the LeBonheur children was remarkable and something she loved doing.  She instantly knew what to do when her Special Therapy Collar and Lead were placed on her.  She was special to LeBonheur and her owner Laurie Whiteley.