Bandit and I have been members of Therapy Pets of Greater Cincinnati since the group was officially formed. The people at Ronald McDonald house "introduced" me to Glenna. We had started on our own going twice a month to a small nursing home close to Oxford where we live. We now also go to Ronald McDonald house and the Fairfield Lane Library where Bandit is the reading dog. We have been visitors to the Edgewood Middle School, spoke to the Oxford Kiwanis, and have participated in several programs with Therapy Pets of Greater Cincinnati.

I am an alumna of a college sorority whose Creed includes the promise to "give graciously of what is mine." It wasn't until I started doing visits with Bandit that I realized what that meant. I have a wonderful dog that I want to share with others and the pleasure he brings to others makes my days looks better, too.

I now have a second dog, Gilligan, who is just learning his place as a therapy pet. We have learned that not every dog fits well in every situation and it's my job to take them where they will work best. We love our work with Therapy Pets of Greater Cincinnati and treasure the friends we have made everywhere we go.

One of my favorite visits was at the library. Two brothers came in and while one was reading, the other one brushed Bandit. I suggested switching places about half-way through their time, but the second brother wanted to continue to brush Bandit so we just talked. I found out that they had to give their dog away the day before and they needed some "dog time" to ease through their loss.