WELCOME TO pennysfromheavenbook.com

The amazing stories of the rehabilitation visits and work of a golden retriever therapy dog named Penny are both heartwarming and inspirational.

PRESS RELEASE

I am the author of Penny’s From Heaven. Penny, my ten-year-old golden retriever, is a teacher, a healer, a guide, a true blessing, and for years just what the doctor ordered. She is certified as a therapy dog with the Skeeter Foundation.

Penny’s life has been one of exemplary service to an extended community (she works with hundreds of patients from all over the U.S.) at HealthSouth - Rehabilitation Institute of San Antonio. She has worked at least twice weekly one-on-one with fearful pediatric dental patients, cancer patients, stroke survivors, Iraqi amputees, head injury and critical care patients and staff, and more. They call her “their healing angel.”

Born to be a guide dog, Penny’s first 2 years were in training with Guide Dogs of Texas. Soon it was clear, Penny had quite a different mission and ministry in life.

A courageous cancer survivor herself, Penny’s scars and imperfections tell others of her will to live. And in turn teach others how to live.

Sometimes nothing overtly or outwardly amazing happens during her work with patients. Frequently, it is just Penny’s gift of presence that awakens something in someone. In a room full of 80-90 patients and hustle and bustle, a calm and quiet exchange occurs in Penny’s presence, a listening to the heart. It is as if answers come with the silence and the only thing that matters is now. Penny is both the giver and the beneficiary simply by her presence.

Excellence is seen each day at the hospital with Penny in attendance. Often patients' memories begin to return, first words are spoken after an injury, limbs begin to move, a forefinger touches a thumb, eyes begin tracking Penny’s movements, smiles return to faces and there is a distraction from pain. Courage returns in the face of despair, as well as self-awareness, socialization, and stress reduction. Feelings of loss are supported, range of motion increases, nurturing returns, confidence is built, communication skills are easier with no judgment involved, range of motion is heightened, laughter begins, and the goodness of giving and receiving affection is remembered.

"Penny" was awarded the
Texas Veterinary Medical Association's Highest Award

More often than not, something very important happens when Penny enters the gym at HealthSouth. Penny has taught me, the patients, family members, staff and others that disfigured or very ill people are not defined by their differences, but rather by the things that mean the most to them - their family, values, and faith. She has taught many that we must learn to make each moment count; we must live in constant total amazement.

I asked Scott, a young head injury patient, if he had a dog. He held up three fingers. I asked him what he thought of Penny. He struggled to speak, as his therapist wiped his wet chin. His head was bent down, but his eyes looked up at me and he said just one word. “Love.” Scott had not spoken since his accident.

Hundreds have been so incredibly blessed to have known Penny and learn from her wisdom, that it has been extremely difficult to retire my girl from therapy work.