Paws To Heal

Elizabeth and Thorndyke

Elizabeth and Thorndyke

In Memory of Thorndyke
Career Change GDA, Delta Society PetPartner and R.E.A.D.
June 14, 2002 - June 8, 2010

After his release from Guide Dogs of America, Thorndyke, a male Golden Retriever, found his niche as a service animal, giving comfort and assistance in pet therapy. Thorndyke was a mentor and buddy to three GDA puppies-in-training, Merrick, Isis and Watson, since his return to the Hall household in 2004.

He had recently been evaluated and reregistered for complex environments as a Delta Society Pet Partner and Reading Education Assistance Dog. Thorndyke was well known and enjoyed visiting Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Riverside, CA., the Kaiser Hospice program, regional convalescent homes, Upland Library PawPals, BARK (Be A Reading Kid) program at Casa Blanca Library and Learning Center, Riverside Community College Reading, ESL, and Computer Information Services, Gateway to College Early College-High School, Work Force Preparation, Carolyn Wylie Children's Centers and foster care agencies.

Thorny made appearances and presentations about and for service animals in numerous elementary and middle schools throughout the Southern California area. He participated in the Riverside Humane Society Walk for the Animals the last 7 years, Read Across America, pet adoption expositions and other animal assisted activities, such as College De-Stress days, Carnival of Books, Open House, Back to School Evenings, and during summer vacations, weekly sessions at the Suislaw Public Library in Florence, Oregon. Thorndyke's handsome, golden, longhaired coat and happy, outgoing personality could not help but bring smiles and joy wherever he visited. Thorndyke and his handlers, Elizabeth and Lewis Hall, belong to the Paws to Heal Pet Therapy organization serving Southern California.

Our beloved animal died unexpectedly on June 8 from a pneumothorax (collapsed left lung) and subsequent cardiac arrest. We have and will hold fond memories of his joyous nature and meaningful activities.



	Thorndyke at the Beaumont Carnival of Books as a READ, May 22, 2010.

	Thorndyke in Class

Thorndyke, a photogenic and an affectionate male Golden Retriever, was a former Guide Dog of America puppy in training. Born on June 14, 2002, and puppyraised by Elizabeth and Lewis, Thorndyke returned to the guide dog school for his intensive coursework at the age of 16 months. As Thorndyke wass an intelligent animal, he immediately decided the life of a working guide involved too much work and not nearly enough love and admiration. Returning to his puppyraiser family, he became a "literacy dog" visiting local elementary schools, teacher training programs and library programs in the Riverside area where everyone was able to love and pet him. Thorndyke was a certified Delta Society therapy dog as well as a Reading Education Assistance Dog with Intermountain Therapy Animals. Thorndyke was quite happy with his career change choice of work, receiving hugs, attention and the admiration of his many friends.