GPL has many volunteers, and a very special few of them are the dogs from our Furry Friends program. Children, some of whom are reluctant readers, read aloud to these patient, gentle-eyed listeners and see their confidence increase. Cali, a golden retriever, was one of our longest serving dogs and had listened to children read at GPL since 2008. Cali was a Golden Retriever, and she was a fixture at GPL. She loved everyone she met. Thanks to her wonderful owner and friend, Rhonda, Cali was also a trained therapy dog and knew how to be extra gentle with those who were unsure. Many children came back again and again, even year after year, to read to Cali and the staff loved seeing her as well. She always knew when it was a work day, and proudly led the way through the doors to begin her work with the next reader.
Cali and her friend Rhonda were once featured speakers at one of our fundraising breakfasts. Cali laid on the stage and stole the show has Rhonda told the audience about the children Cali had loved and the lives she had impacted. She told of children whose halting voices calmed and grew strong in Cali’s presence. Over the years we watched as Cali’s face grew white and her step slowed, but Cali never lost her smile, her wag, or her love for children.
In honor and remembrance of Cali, we hope you’ll spend a few extra minutes listening without judgement to those around you. Read a book to your kids, or pull them into your lap and listen to them read to you. Cali’s life impacted many, and was a testament to what a non-critical, listening ear can do. We will miss her but those she served will never forget her.