Geoffrey's particular specialty was his ability to get into bed delicately with patients who were hooked up to various medical apparatus, lie there, keeping the patient company, and never disturb any of the tubing or other devices, nor put any weight on his delicate client. He would stay there in a hospital bed next to a stranger, offering them a measure of comfort, for as long as he was asked to do so.

 We also went to dog shows, and gaining enough confidence to present himself well, Geoffrey became my first champion. 

Well, lots more work, training, experience and love later, Geoffrey became the gentlest, sweetest, best nursing home visitor ever! We logged many hours every week for several years as a regular visiting team.

We walked in the park. We walked on the sidewalk. We met new people and went to new places. We went to obedience class to help Geoff become confident, and when he began to progress, we enrolled him in the therapy dog training program, purely as therapy for him, with no other goals in mind.

Everyone except me figured out immediately that Geoffrey was never leaving my home. And he never did.