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Through your dollars
at work in your local community meet some of the people you
have helped.
Sutter, Peanut, & Kayla,
Best Friends to Care Connexxus
Most dogs are considered “man’s best friend, ”
probably to one person or maybe one family. This is not the
case for Sutter, Peanut, and Kayla, the extraordinary Labrador
retriever’s that volunteer at Care Connexxus. These dogs
are considered best friends to their owners, Jan Baker and
Cheryl Leyde, along with Ann Leyde (Jan and Cheryl’s
mother) and all of the senior participants whose lives they
have touched at Care Connexxus.
Jan and Cheryl first began
visiting and bringing Sutter to Care Connexxus with their
mother, Ann, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. Jan,
Cheryl, Sutter and his friends, Peanut and Kayla volunteer
at the center to entertain, comfort and bring delight to the
participants.
All the participants at Care
Connexxus have Alzheimer’s disease or some other chronic
illness. Most of them have trouble remembering people or things
that may have just happened, but to them, Sutter is unforgettable.
The participants are able to remember Sutter, Peanut, and
Kayla. Jan and Cheryl dress Sutter, Peanut, and Kayla in costumes
and perform tricks for Ann and the other participants at Care
Connexxus.
Jan says, “The participants
always ask where the puppies are and look forward to Tuesday
when the dogs visit the center.”
Cheryl adds, “What these dogs do for the participants
is priceless. Jan and I have left Care Connexxus in tears
just knowing how much the dogs have touched the lives of the
participants.”
Sutter was voted last year’s
“Outstanding Volunteer” by Care Connexxus. An amazing
member of the Leyde family, he helps the two sister-in-laws
take care of their mother at home as well. Sutter lies by
Ann’s bedside to watch over her while the ladies bustle
to get things done around the house. Sutter runs and barks
to either Jan or Cheryl to alert them if Ann is out of bed
or needs help.
For those who don’t have
a “Sutter” at home, Care Connexxus is an adult day
care facility for caretakers to leave their family member
for a few hours so they can have free time. This allows them
relaxing (stress-free) time for shopping, cleaning, and other
daily activities. For Jan and Cheryl it is a great time to
play with the dogs and get to know the participants at the
center. They truly enjoy taking Sutter, Peanut, and Kayla
to help ease the lives of the people at Care Connexxus.
Jan and Cheryl, honored by
Care Connexxus as Volunteers of the Year, are thankful for
Care Connexxus and the help they provide to caregivers. They
enjoy volunteering at Care Connexxus and will continue to
take Sutter, Peanut, and Kayla to touch the lives of many
more at Care Connexxus.
You will find Sutter, Peanut, and Kayla, “Best Friends
to the participants,” at Care Connexxus every Tuesday.
And you can take pride in knowing that your dollars in support
of United Way allow Care Connexxus to provide programs and
services where participants can receive the help they need
and enjoy Sutter and his friends.
Care Connexxus, Inc.
A United Way Affiliated Agency
Information: 909.509.2500
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