Goodrich – At three months old, he’s a cuddly bundle of fur who’s already living out his mission as a therapist.
Levi, a golden retriever, is training to become a therapy dog.
Owner and trainer Janet Fischer chose Levi for his mellow personality to carry on the legacy of Gus, a golden retriever therapy dog who died last February. Gus was well-known by local children, who read to him at school and through library programs.
‘I didn’t want a high-strung puppy,? said Fischer, who visited several breeders before choosing Levi.
‘There’s things you look for. Do they like to lay on their back? Do they mind their ears and feet being fiddled with? Are they jumpy with loud noises? It’s a little more work if those things bother them.?
Mel Trowbridge, another Goodrich area resident who works with therapy dog Riley, sent out requests after Gus? death to collect donations to help pay for a puppy.
‘I had absolutely no idea,? said Fischer. ‘The night we finally decided to get a puppy we had dinner with the Trowbridges. They broke the news (of the donation). I’m just overwhelmed by everybody’s generosity and support.?
During a recent stop at Oaktree Elementary, where Gus often listened to students read, the students in Janet McMahon’s fourth-grade class exclaimed, laughed, and cried over Levi.
‘He’s so cute,? they said as Fischer explained what’s ahead for Levi.
The students presented Fischer with a book, ‘The Top 10 Things About Gus?, along with their own puppy contributions saved from allowances and spending money, said McMahon, who keeps a picture of Gus on her chalkboard.
Fischer received a total of $715 in donations, including money donated by Girl Scouts, animal lovers, Oaktree Elementary, and area individuals.
‘I want to express my thankfulness to the community and everybody,? said Fischer, who says the money more than covered Levi’s purchase fee. She plans to use the remaining amount to help pay for his training, which will conclude in November.
Trowbridge was impressed by Levi, and is confident he’ll be a good therapy dog. He’s already been therapeutic for Fischer and her family.
‘Every now and then we catch ourselves calling him Gus,? she said. ‘I didn’t want another golden retriever, I thought there’d be a problem with the connection thing, but it’s been fine.
‘I think of Gus every day, but it’s funny, Levi’s always going over and looking at his picture.?