When I found out the Assisted Living Facility where my mom resides was raising money for Alzheimer’s Research this weekend, I said “count me in.” Bake sales, car washes, I love a good cause.

I’m still trying not to look surprised when I hear the “come-back” response that always follows, “can you bring the Boys with you?”

I said “of course” and walked away a little deflated because I’m still “working through” accepting that it’s not “me” they  really  want.

Their goal was to raise funds and heighten awareness about Alzheimer’s. I was in full support because the more we know, the more research we can fund, the faster perhaps we can eradicate this disease.

We arrived to a very lively scene. There were wet cars and kids all over the place. Baked goods and information pamphlets readily available for the taking.

But once Harley & Leo were spotted, everything came to a screeching halt…

Harley the show stopper

Since the assembly line was broken, we treated it like a mid day break. I gathered everybody together for a group shot…

The Boys made new furrends at the car wash

I really love bringing the Boys to see my mom (she’s 96 now!!!!!). They can stimulate a response out of her when I can’t! She generally gives us a little smile once she touches Harley’s coat…

They would stay there all day if I let them

They stay relatively close by, never wandering too far from her…

They make the best caregivers

And they’re quite “content” resting by her side, no matter how long we’re there…

You just gotta love them for understanding

There are a gazillion articles written about the calming effects dogs have on people battling either Alzheimer’s and/or Dementia. I’ve been watching it first hand now for over three years, and I am still amazed and bewildered when I see it happen.

I myself wrote a story a couple of years ago about what I’d observed watching my mother, Harley and Leo interact together: Can an “Angel” have an “Angel.”

This is a difficult disease to watch a loved one live with. Please know you do not have to go through it alone. There are dozens of support groups and agencies trained to help. Visit the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America to connect with social workers, gain knowledge and information.

As always, thanks so much for reading, and I pawmise to keep writing…