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and wonderful praise when we are visiting, but most of the time that’s the end of it. To hear such kind words later lets us know that we really have helped someone.
    David,
    What a nice surprise and delight getting your email early this morning before work.
    I go back to Sloan for my first CAT scan since the operation Friday March 13th. I am hoping for a good outcome. After the scan I will have a break in the day and I would love for another visit from you and Teigh—if you can…?
    Please let me know if a visit of this type (not inpatient) will work for you and Teigh on this day. Perhaps you could meet me and my mother at the MSK Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion on 53rd Street. Let me know what works for you.
    I send frequent prayers thanking Teigh for the gift of love and compassion—it is overwhelming.
    All smiles and a very heartfelt thank you,
    Karen
    I was thinking of a great line from Ghostbusters when Bill Murray’s character, Dr. Venkman, wanted to break a rule that he had just quoted. “Actually, it’s more of a guideline than a rule,” he shrugged.
    Karen: That works for us. I can bring Teigh, he is now 12 ½ and getting blinder every day, God love him. He doesn’t visit much anymore, but I know he will want to see you again.
    Best,
    David
    So, I met Karen, her mother, and her friends. She brought a bag of cookies for Teigh and a bag of cookies for me. Pictures and tears and hugs all around. Wow.
    Hi David,
    I wanted to send a note of thanks to you and Teigh—my angel on a leash. It really was my pleasure in having the chance to meet you under very different circumstances. I am all smiles when I have the opportunity to tell my story, and even get to say how we are invited as your guests to the Westminster—what an honor, and so exciting.
    I wanted to share with you the picture from that day, and I threw in two more pictures…I don’t have pups, but two wonderful kitties (18+ and 22+ lbs) named Mendel and Watson. I can only hope their pictures will bring a smile to you, as they do for me every day.
    Many, many thanks for your kindness and generosity of your time. I am so very happy knowing there really are wonderful people and their pets doing great things for others—just because.
    With kindness and health to you and Teigh,
    Warm wishes,
    Karen
    My response:
    Karen: Great to hear from you. I am sorry that I have not already written you to tell you what a wonderful moment it was for both Teigh and me to get to see you again. And we both enjoyed our cookies (I won’t tell you whose were gone first).
    Thanks for the photos. Your therapy kitties did make me smile, too—it’s great what our animals bring to us each and every day.
    Best,
    David
    Sadly, my next email to Karen was to tell her of Teigh’s passing in January of 2010. She wrote back:
    David,
    I am heartbroken. My Teigh was there at a very difficult time in my life, and I only wish I could have returned the favor. What Teigh meant to me:
Hope and comfort
Love and smiles
Warmth and kindness
Caring and understanding
Health and wellness
    I have a loving memory of Teigh at my bedside while I was in great pain and so scared. Teigh helped me—a memory and feeling only the two of us will share, and for that I am beyond grateful.
    Teigh will always be my forever companion.
    I will miss you Teigh, and thank you for such a special memory. David, I am sorry for the loss of your family member. My heart goes out to you.
    Karen
    Then I got this email right after Westminster 2011:
    David,
    Wonderful Westminster!!
    I think of you often—in fact, your name, Teigh’s name, your organization, and our story have become a part of who I am. It is comforting to know that someone who I had never met came to my bedside with a wonderful pet Angel who for no other reason was there for me. It is amazing! They say “everything happens for a reason”… it is not hard to believe in that saying