Fewer events in my life are more pleasurable, meaningful, and significant than my visits with Zinnia to my Meditation Classes and the Mansion’s Memory Care Unit. Zinnia is a pleasure and joy machine; her appearance thrills and delights the people in the unit.

They laugh, brighten up, and remember their dogs and the memories of their lives. I decided to capture the experience in photos and let them speak for themselves when Zinnia comes. They all come out of their rooms to sit with her, touch her, and get some licks. It lifts my heart every time.

Zinnia does a lot of good there; I always leave feeling fulfilled and proud.  She knows exactly what to do and loves doing it. She doesn’t mind the attention either.

We are making the world better than when we found it.

Zinnia is a magnificent, loving, patient, and intuitive therapy dog. I’ve interspersed the photos of her with portraits of the people in Memory Care who love her the most. Thanks for reading and for supporting my work at the Mansion. If you wish, you can donate to the Mansion Fund via Paypal, [email protected], or Venmo, Jon-Katz-13. You can also send a check to Jon Katz, Mansion Fund, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. I hope you enjoy the photos.

Jane and I have the most beautiful hugs when we meet. What a sweet person and gifted artist.

Zinnia got a head pat and belly rub at the same time. She was in bliss.

Ellen is one of her biggest fans. She is wild about Zinnia.

Mary is shy, but Zinnia brings her out with love and attention.

Art came down from the Mansion to see Zinnia and get his hand licked.

I tell Zinnia to sit on the couch so the residents can come and see her. She sits there for a half hour before getting restless. We leave when everyone has had a chance to see and touch her. I supply the Mansion and the Memory Care unit with games and art supplies created for the elderly or those with dementia. The donated money goes for any personal needs some residents might have and not have the money to purchase.

Thanks for your support.