08/24/2026
Boulder Update from adoptive family.....
Sailorāor Sailor Bob, as he is now affectionately calledāwas named after my father, Robert āBob,ā who spent many years in the Navy during the Vietnam War. My dad sailed on many battleships and served his country proudly. I wanted this babyās name to have meaning and purpose, just as my fatherās role did in helping keep others safe. Although my dad, who is now a resident at the senior community where I serve, may not be with us for many more years due to Alzheimerās and Parkinsonās disease, Sailor will continue his own very special role here for many, many years to come. He will be our ātherapy dog,ā bringing joy, love, and comfort to the residents who have already fallen in love with him. (Pic of my father and Sailor below)
I am SO proud of how far this pup has come! My silly, overly excited, non-rational thinking had Sailor at my senior community THE DAY AFTER we adopted him. Oh boy! He was scared and shy, with his tail tucked, unsure of all the people, unfamiliar buildings, and music playing around him. I struggled to get him through doors, and more than once he would pile himself underneath the large dining tables because he was terrified. Fast-forward just 3.5 weeks, and this kiddo is absolutely AMAZING at his ājob.ā He now strolls through all the houses on our campus (all levels of care), happily letting residents love on him. He jumps into bed with them when heās invited, cleans up every crumb left behind after lunch, and willingly accepts all the dinner and in-between treats that come his way.
I truly think Sailor knew from day one that our residents were not a threat. He just needed time to warm up to all the different people, buildings, sounds, and experiences. With patience, exposure, and lots of positive experiences, he has blossomed. And he is doing GREAT! Today was, by far, the most amazing and heartwarming day yet, and I just had to share. One of the ladies who lives in our Assisted Living community has interacted with Sailor every time he has been to work and absolutely adores him. Today, she became very upset and frightened during an episode that left her shaking (medical condition where this happens on occasion). I was called to check on her, so I took Sailor with me to her apartment. When we arrived, she was still upset and sitting in her recliner. We talked for a bit, Sailor got a few treats, and together we decided that he would stay with her for a little while. Wellā¦a little while turned into HOURS. I had one of our CNAs check on the two of them, and Sailor was curled up in her lap while they were both peacefully napping in the recliner. ā¤ļø When she woke, she was calm and comforted, and the shaking hands had subsided. Up to this point, Sailor has brought so much JOY to our community. But today, I witnessed something different. I saw his ability to empathize, love in the way only a dog can, and COMFORT. Sailor has such an important, special, and precious job: to bring JOY and COMFORT to the people who need it most. And through tears as I write this, I can honestly sayā¦he is ROCKING IT. ā¤ļøš¾ I wish I could share pictures of these two friends today, but out of respect for her privacy and HIPPA, I cannot. Just know that what I witnessed was absolutely beautiful.
Sailor isnāt only growing in confidence at his ājobāāhe is growing into our family at home, too! Physically, he has gained six pounds, had a wonderful check-up at the vet, is eating well, going on daily walks with his dog siblings, and is fitting into our family. One of our Beagle mixes warmed up to Sailor almost immediately. The other took a little more time, but they are now socializing and doing great together (pic below, please excuse the bedroom messiness lol). Sailor also has my youngest son completely wrapped around his little paw (pic below) And, of course, I cannot leave out the true puppy behavior! On adoption day, we were gifted a beautiful, big pillowā¦and Sailor promptly destroyed it. (pic below) š He has also demolished a pair of my flip-flops, a pair of shorts, and pretty much every dog toy the other two dogs owned before his arrival. Fuzz and stuffing EVERYWHERE. LOL!
A true happy Tails!!
I want to send a heartfelt THANK YOU to all at Paw for the Cause. I wouldnāt trade this crazy, messy, heartwarming journey with Sailor (or our two others that we have adopted there) for anything! Sailor Bob has already brought so much love into our home and into the lives of the residents I serve at work. And every day, he reminds me that sometimes the smallest paws can leave the biggest footprints on our hearts. My dad served others during his Navy years. Now Sailor is carrying that spirit forward. And I couldnāt be prouder of either of them. ā¤ļøš¾
Thank you, and Godspeed in your continued efforts and dedication to saving the other babies who are still waiting for loving, forever homes. I pray that your hard work and compassion continue to make a difference in their lives, just as it has ours (3 times over)!!!
