| Copper, Copper Ridge |
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Copper, a handsome Golden Retriever, and his owner, Andy Becker, have been volunteers at Copper Ridge, a facility and home for many people who suffer from dementia and other memory impairing diseases, for over four years. Having animals in this special community helps support residents who may be losing their ability to fully care for animals, due to any of the illnesses they suffer from.
 Copper, Copper Ridge Andy became Copper’s owner after the previous owners relocated and could no longer care for him. Andy was always well behaved and really enjoyed being around other animals and people of all ages. He felt Copper would make an excellent therapy dog. Copper comes to Copper Ridge every Thursday morning for two hours. The minute he comes through the doors, it becomes a special visit. Andy follows the same routine with Copper each time they visit – Copper greets the receptionist with tail wagging, then he sits and waits for Regina to offer him a dog biscuit. As soon as they enter the residential area, the residents start asking Andy about the big, friendly, golden dog. They want to know how old Copper is, what he is fed and how much he weighs. Often the residents share memories of their own pets. He rolls over, plays ‘bang, you’re shot’, balances a treat on his nose, takes a bow, fetches, and does figure eights. One resident exclaimed, “Copper should be in Hollywood”, after he performed his tricks. And, another resident gets so excited when she sees Copper that she starts singing to him. Copper infuses a whole lot of ‘four legged love’ into the Copper Ridge community, which, in turn, makes it a more compassionate, stronger community. It is ironic that this particular ‘volunteer dog’ is named Copper and that he visits the residents at Copper Ridge. Submitted by: Teresa Smith Copper Ridge Sykesville, MD |
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