2007 Hall of Fame Inductee...
Aida
Golden RetreiverNominated by Dr. Sharon Phillips
With her gentle demeanor and patient countenance, a beautiful 5-year-old Golden Retriever named Aida provides companionship for those who need it most. Aida and her owner, Shari Curran, have spent more than 500 hours volunteering therapeutic assistance, visiting patients in rehabilitation facilities and local hospitals. Whether it is something as simple as lying next to a patient in bed, or playing fetch with a patient who needs exercise, Aida approaches each task with energy and unconditional love for all of those she visits.
“Aida seems to be able to gauge how she should approach people when they’re sick. She will lay motionless with someone in a bed who is in a coma. She understands that she is doing something to help these people,” says Shari.
In 2006, Aida was honored by the Therapet Foundation as the Therapy Dog of the Year. Sharon Phillips, DVM, nominated Aida for the Texas Animal Hall of Fame, and she expressed in her nomination letter the special relationship that Aida and Shari have working together.
“Aida also has a very special relationship with her handler/owner. They have a very deep devotion to each other, which exemplifies how strong the human-animal bond can be.”
Shari says that, compared to many other dogs she has worked with over the years, Aida has always had a seemingly innate inclination to work with the public. “It comes very natural to her. She will run and play with children and then come back to lay down with another patient. She has the ability to adjust her energy level.”
Dogs like Aida are a treasure and the impact made upon the lives they affect is invaluable. Aida was inducted into the Texas Animal Hall of Fame alongside owner Shari Curran. The ceremony was held February 12, 2008 at Sweet Sue’s during the East Texas VMA meeting. Dr. John Morton,TVMA Council Chair of Professional Advancement, presented the award.
