It’s a tear-jerker, to be sure. The beautiful teddy bear of a dog, a chow-retriever mix who lost the use of his legs several years ago, is wheeled around in a cushioned wagon by his own carer, Melissa Joseph, who is also the author of the book “Moments With Baxter,” which chronicles 36 stories of Baxter’s four years as a certified therapy dog in a hospice center. Baxter also has his own blog.

I’ll admit, as one reviewer on Amazon also wrote, that I’m a little conflicted about the quality of life that Baxter himself has, although aside from the lack of use of his legs he does look to be healthy and happy. What do you think? Is it a non-issue or something his own caretaker should take into consideration?

Post from: Blisstree

Moments with Baxter

On Monday evening, I will be attending a cocktail party to benefit the Westminster Kennel Club’s Angel On a Leash foundation. — a charity dedicated to bringing together young patients with therapy dogs.

The use of therapy dogs has been shown to help reduce stress for pediatric patients and their families. Scientific studies are showing the many benefits, ranging from encouraging smiles and conversation, to motivating them during physical therapy. (Westminster Kennel Club)

Monday’s event has been coordinated on behalf of The Westminster Kennel Club, by Charlotte Reed, esteemed pet care expert and author, as well as frequent and celebrated ABC-TV’s, The View contributor.

I will be bringing several Pet Set products — which are among several fine donations to the event’s silent auction.

I’ll tell you what I will not be bringing — one of these absurd purses, currently seen on the streets of New York, in which, I might add you could fit a Josh the therapy dog, that’s how embarassingly gigantic they are.

(Image: Bill Cunningham/The New York Times)

Which actually leaves me in a bit of a pickle…what to wear to an event full of seriously dedicated dog people, and more importantly, the therapy dogs themselves?!

It may be fashion week, here in New York, but I think the therapy dogs have much more PAWnache.

Wish Me Luck!

For information about Angel On A Leash, call (212) 213-3212 or e-mail angelonaleash@wkcpr.org To order a poster or to learn more about The Westminster Kennel Club, log on to www.westminsterkennelclub.org

Post from: Blisstree

Westminster Kennel Club’s Angel On A Leash