Therapy dog listens to Sweet Adelines sing, then goes to work

Goshen —At a choral performance for residents and staff of the Valley View Center for Nursing Care in Goshen, Nicky, a therapy dog, was cared for by Rylee Cella, a young singer and daughter of Sweet Adelines chorus member, Donna Cella, while Nicky’s owner Annette Smith performed. In these circumstances, the dog is always comfortable and very patient, as long as she is able to see her owner. Following the performance, it was time for Nicky to go to “work,” as she and Smith visited residents who had not able to attend the musical event. Because Smith is a member of the Song of the Valley Chorus, Sweet Adelines International, Nicky is a frequent guest at chorus rehearsals and performances. Some in the chorus have come to view Nicky as the chorus mascot. Nicky is a gentle, mixed-breed dog, who lives in Walden with her Smith, to whom she brings great joy every day. “When I got Nicky, she had been badly mistreated, with ears partially burned off. I think that, at some level, she knows she was saved, since she gives me more love and adoration than anyone can imagine.” After getting over her fear of people, Nicky became a certified therapy dog. Since that time, Nicky and Smith have been spreading comfort and happiness to hundreds of elders in nursing homes throughout the Mid-Hudson region. Some elder care sites, where they have been frequent visitors, are the Veterans Administration facility in Dutchess County, Elant of Newburgh and the Montgomery Nursing Home. Visits to the V.A. have special meaning to Smith, as she has served in the U.S. Navy. Smith comments, “It is always amazing to me to see how much it means to these elders to have a visit from Nicky. As soon as they are able to touch and pet her, their eyes and faces light up. It makes me feel good, and I can tell that Nicky knows it is special, too, as she always stays so calm while being touched and petted. It really is therapeutic.” The members of Song of the Valley Sweet Adelines agree that both Smith and Nicky are very special. The group is proud to be associated with this team, who is giving so much to elders in supportive residences throughout the Mid-Hudson community. In honor of Smith and all members of the Armed Forces, past and present, Song of the Valley Sweet Adelines will be presenting a patriotic and joyful tribute to U.S. service men and women in their Annual Show, “Something About a Soldier,” at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 28, at Monroe-Woodbury Middle School, Central Valley. A special invitation is extended to members of the Armed Services and their families. There is a 20 percent discounts for all who purchase in advance. For more information, call 744-3879 or 227-2853.