Sit! Stay! Speak!

Sometimes you just can’t have a dog. My mother lives in a nice condo where there’s a no pet rule. Sometimes she gets lonely. She’d like a small dog.

If you need a gift for someone like my mom I can strongly suggest the Humane Society’s Take Along Pets. For a $50 donation they’ll send the dog (or cat) to the recipient of your choice.

When my mom got hers she cried. She said it was the sweetest thing I’d ever done.

Not only is the plush dog soft, if you shake it it gets softer. I can’t explain that, I’m just reporting the news.

Mom loves her toy dog. It’s soft and says “woof woof” if you squeeze him.

To help the Humane Society — and maybe your mom — get a Take Along Pet as a thoughtful Christmas or Chanukah gift. These plush pets are true therapy dogs.

We usually think of therapy dogs as working in nursing homes and hospitals. For true synergy nothing beats a therapy dog that works at a therapist’s office. Meet Sapphi, a therapist’s therapy dog.

In the universe of small dogs West Highland Terriers are definitely not purse dogs. Westies — like most terriers — are high-energy, playful and assertive. Sapphi is trained to supress her protective and hunting instincts. The normal terrier barking and chasing behaviors do not present a problem with this therapy dog.

Sapphi’s mom is licensed New Hampshire psychologist Dr. Denise Lamothe. Dr. Lamothe treats emotional eating disorders, often with Sapphi’s help. Client’s enjoy Sapphi’s company during treatment. She is available to give unconditional love to people whose psychological problems often revolve around issues of love.

For more information on adopting a West Highland Terrier, visit the Westie Rescue page, or visit the Westies for adoption on PetFinder.