Age: 13 years
Breed: Golden Retriever
Status: Angel
Received Wings: September 2021
Although no longer by our side, Stormy lives on in our hearts forever. Read about Stormy’s legacy, TV star and therapy boy to all he met.
“Oh, the tales that sweet, sensitive and social Stormy could tell if he could talk.”
A doggy darling wherever he planted his paws, the dedicated 13-year-old, adopted from GRRMF in 2012, accompanied his equally dedicated mom Kim everywhere on their missions of love and support.
“We visit nursing homes, colleges for exam stress relief and the Safety Harbor Public Library where Stormy is a ‘Pawsitive Reader,’ explains Kim. “Little kids cuddle up to him while they practice their reading skills, and we always leave with smiles on our faces.”
“One nursing home visit, in particular, truly made me tear up. During our visit, the daughter of a resident exclaimed, ‘Oh my goodness, there really is a big, white fluffy dog!’ She went on to say that her mother, who seldom spoke anymore, couldn’t stop gushing about petting a big white dog. She had assumed her mother was confused until she met Stormy in person.
“A blind resident once took Stormy’s head in her hands, proceeded to feel his bone structure, then described what she thought he looked like. Before losing her sight, the woman had raised dogs.”
“Another resident used to struggle getting out of bed on Sunday mornings. We made certain to stop at her room first so that Stormy could encourage her to get out of bed.”
“One resident was a retired veterinarian and she often checked Stormy’s ears and eyes as if he were her patient.”
Not only is Stormy a therapy dog, he’s also a star! He was featured in three national commercials for Ashley Furniture, in several videos for pet care products on HSN, and most recently, in a video promoting a new leash.
Stormy started slowing down in 2021. He had arthritis and degenerative myelopathy, which sadly was incurable. To keep him smiling for the rest of his days, his mom took him to water therapy, platelet rich plasma transfusions, and laser therapy on a regular basis.
Run pain free with your other angel friends Stormy!
Training/Certifications:
Project PUP Certified
Hearts of Gold Therapy Team
