Cinderella ~ Proudly Served her Country after 9/11/01

at the WTC Family Assistance Center, Pier 94, NYC

Cinder's Day in the Big City - Our first (finally!!!!) visit to Pier 94           11 28 01

Well, we finally made it to the Pier. It was quite a day! I had no idea what to expect.

First, I'd like to THANK Charlie Bird for driving me in and showing me the ropes. I'm sure I would've gotten lost going on my own. I wasn't sure what to expect from Cinder either. She's a "country" dog, never had been to the city before. I'm pleased to say she was fine. Not phased by a thing.

What a sight we must have been - 150 pound Harry (Great Pyrennes/Golden Mix) and 16 pound Cinderella (Sheltie)! Harry is very well known and it seemed that every few feet someone was calling his name. Cinder jumped right in to get her pets and belly rubs. Again, she wasn't phased by the crowds, noise or anything. She seemed very happy to be there. Actually, it wasn't all that crowded. I guess that's a good sign.

We mostly visited with volunteer workers. Almost all put on a smile when they see the dogs coming. We did get to visit with a couple of family members and it did seem to take their mind of their problems for a few moments while petting the dogs. They thanked us gratefully. It was very rewarding. Most of the volunteer workers also thanked us for coming. They really need a lift. The thing I will remember most about this day was just as we were leaving. We stopped to chat with a volunteer worker (one of Harry's buddies). This person said how she'd been there since 9/11 and didn't know when she would get a break. She said the stress was getting to her. She said that this disaster is so different from any other she's worked on - so much more emotional and personal. You could tell she was running on empty. She said as we were leaving that the dogs really do help relieve the stress for her. That made the whole trip worthwhile. If we hadn't seen another person, it was worth going in just to brighten up that woman's day. I can't imagine what she's seen and heard and experienced these last couple of months. I'm sure it takes quite a toll! It's nice to know that we do make a difference, even if only for a short time.

Cinder slept the whole way home. Not surprising. It was a long day for her. The surprising thing was that when we got home her battery was recharged! She was happy, jumping and barking and trying to play with Pierce (our other Sheltie). I think she had a great day. She's now really sacked out and that's where I'm headed.

Cinder's 2nd Visit to Pier 94          12 06 01

We accomplished quite a lot today. We were able to visit with many family members as well as volunteers. Today's visit was very interesting. I have 3 memories that stand out from today's visit.

First, one of the volunteer workers was a having a bit of a hard time and a couple of the other volunteers were trying to lift her spirits. She had even come over to our area looking for the dogs for a pet therapy "fix". Luckily, we found her and Harry and Cinder were able to give her some of their special TLC.

My second memory is bad and good. We were visiting in a fairly crowded area when a young girl came up with a toddler to pet Cinderella. What a shock for us, when the toddler kicked Cinder in the head!!! Cinder was visibly shaken but behaved like a trooper. She just moved away from the little girl and sat by my side. I explained to the toddler gently that you can't do that to animals and had her sister help her pet Cinder. Then I took Cinder off to visit some adults. We then went in to one of the children's rooms because I wanted to give Cinder a positive experience with a child. I was fortunate to find a sweet little girl (about the same size as the one who kicked Cinder) who gently pet Cinder while she lay on the floor. Cinder was not at all frightened or upset. So, I learned to expect ANYTHING from little children and am SO PROUD of the way Cinderella handled herself. She is some SPECIAL girl!

My third memory is heartbreaking. I was speaking with a couple who lost their son on 9/11. They were telling me how badly his dog is grieving. The dog, who was very outgoing and playful, will not eat or touch his toys or play with anyone. He just sits in the corner by himself. The dog has become very ill and the family is so concerned about him. I will pray for this dog every night. We think about how this tragedy affects the humans, all Americans, but it affects the families' beloved pets as well. Please keep the pets in your thoughts and prayers. They're hurting too. I'm getting tears in my eyes, so I'm going to end here.

The Princess of the Pier           12 13 01

Today was our third visit to the Family Assistance Center at Pier 94. Cinderella is becoming very popular. When we walked in the building today, people would see her and call out her name. What a great feeling to know that people remembered Cinder and were happy to see her! Cinder would go over to whoever was calling her for her pets and belly rubs. She sure got the Royal treatment today (and loved every minute of it), therefore I've decided to call her "The Princess of the Pier".

Today was another great day. We were accompanied by our dear friends, Sue & Kassi (German Shepherd Dog) Oakes. I find it's nice to have a large and a small dog work together. Some people prefer big dogs, some prefer little ones. This way you cover most of the bases. People seemed especially grateful to have us there today. I can't count the number of people who thanked us for coming. Everyone seemed a little more cheerful, too. Maybe it's the holiday spirit? Or, maybe the special magic of Kassi and Cinder?

Cinder helped a little boy get over his fear of dogs today. I'm guessing the boy was around 2 or 3 and you could tell he wanted to pet the dogs but was afraid. I had Cinder lie down, so she'd appear less threatening to the boy. Then he and I discussed the video, "Cinderella". Before you know it, he forgot to be afraid and was petting Cinder. He even pet Kassi, who in turn, gave him a big kiss!

All in all, it was a wonderful visit. Cinder and I are both looking forward to our visit next week.

Winter Wonderland at the WTC Family Assistance Center, Pier 94, NYC             12 17 01

Today was a very special day at Pier 94. It was our best visit yet. The atmosphere was very lighthearted. You could feel the spirit of Good Will in the air. The sadness and grief weren't present today, at least not very much. People were much more willing to come up and talk and to spend more time talking with us. They asked more questions, about the dogs, about where we were from, etc. There were so many children there today. Even they were more willing to spend time with us.

Many people asked why we came so far to volunteer. My answer was, it's the least we can do. It's our small way of helping the families and thanking the volunteer workers. One special memory of today was a volunteer worker who came to pet Cinder. She was from South Dakota and missing her father and his Sheltie back home. She said that petting Cinderella made her feel closer to her family. That is why we do what we do. If we can make someone who's working so hard to help others feel better for 5 minutes, then it's worth it. Or, if we can help someone put aside their grief for a few minutes and give them some TLC, we've done our job.

A special bonus today was that many people, family members and volunteers alike, were very interested in the therapy dog program and asked for information about how their dogs could become therapy dogs. I think the combination of the tragedy and the holidays really brings out the volunteerism in people. It's great to know we may have recruited some new dogs and handlers. What better testament to the benefits of what we do, than to inspire people to do the same!

Cinderella amazes me more each time we go. Today, as soon as she got out of the car, she knew where she was, and couldn't wait to get inside. The same thing happened on the way back from the potty area - she couldn't wait to get back inside for more pets and belly rubs. She is such a natural therapy dog and puts her heart and soul into her work!

We were given hand made origami "Lucky Birds" by one of the vendors. It may seem like a small thing, but it was a special feeling when the lady pinned the bird on my shirt and Cinder's bandana. It was a gift from the heart.

A big attraction for all - young and old alike - was the Disney characters. Mickey Mouse, Minnie and Goofy were there having their pictures taken with anyone who wanted to pose with them. The kids loved it. So did the adults. It was great to watch everyone having their pictures taken with Mickey, Minnie and Goofy. The adults seemed just as excited as the kids. Cinder had her picture taken with Minnie Mouse. It was adorable.

You can see pictures of the monument and read more about the significance of its design here: http://www.pbalocal138.org/page3.html

Cinder at DSR Luncheon 6/2002

Have You Forgotten?

Misha

CREDITS

Graphics Courtesy of

and