Gizmo, therapy dog: furever in our hearts

 Gizmo was born on December 19, 2009, under the care of Leader Dogs for the Blind.  She was raised and socialized for her first year by my mother, then went off to school and was matched with a blind person for work.  Unfortunately, that match did not work out and several months later, Gizmo was removed from the placement.  The school att

 Gizmo was born on December 19, 2009, under the care of Leader Dogs for the Blind.  She was raised and socialized for her first year by my mother, then went off to school and was matched with a blind person for work.  Unfortunately, that match did not work out and several months later, Gizmo was removed from the placement.  The school attempted to re-train her, but she failed due to a "small animal distraction."  She was retired and offered to my mother as a pet, but she was clearly such a special and talented dog that we got her tested and accepted as a registered Therapy Dog.  Soon, she was working in my counseling office regularly and it was more practical for her to live with me.  Since 2014, Gizmo was a part of my family and was also trained as a service dog for my own PTSD symptoms.  After working from home due to the pandemic, and reaching her golden years, Gizmo decided to be semi-retired.  (This meant some days, particularly when it was raining, Gizmo stayed at home on the couch with her kitties instead of coming to work with Katie).  A little bit of Gizmo always went home with clients... on their clothes. Gizmo's specialties in therapy were demonstrating relaxation and sleepiness, and providing opportunities for grounding and comfort.  She brought these gifts to so many lives in her 13 years, and we are all grateful to have known her.