Skippy: A legacy of faithfulness
Some dogs just seem to have an impact that goes beyond their immediate circle. Skippy was one of those dogs.
I first met Skippy and his owner, Amy Myers, at the Redondo Beach Dog Park nearly 11 years ago. I had just moved from Long Beach to San Pedro and began driving my dogs to the Redondo off-leash dog park on weekends since my new hometown didn't have an off-leash park yet.
I guess Amy and I both had an affinity for shaggy dogs -- Skippy was an Old English sheepdog. One of my dogs, Ellie, was a medium-sized terrier-sheepdog + who-knows-what mixed breed with long hair. We were immediately drawn to each others' dogs.
We lost touch after a while, but then Amy moved to San Pedro and we reconnected. An artist, Amy joined the staff of Harbor View House, a board and care for some 200 mentally ill residents in San Pedro. An artist who once was a toy designer for Mattel, she soon took over as coordinator of the home's Living Museum Art Center, helping residents discover their "inner artist."
And Skippy? Well, he joined the staff, too. A certified therapy dog, Skippy went to work with Amy, endearing himself to Harbor View House residents who were quickly drawn to Skippy's ability to give out unconditional love.
I was heartbroken to hear last week that Skippy, who was about 12 years old, died earlier this year. I was Skippy's dog sitter from time to time. He was such a happy dog. Our paths would also cross on neighborhood dog walks through the years when Amy and I would inevitably tangle leashes so we could greet our favorite "other" dogs.
Skippy died after a short bout with lymphoma -- the same fatal disease that took the life of my 13-year-old dog Ellie earlier this year.
But how special it was that Amy could share her beloved pet with so many who needed a friend so badly. Dogs are always a unique blessing to their owners. Skippy was a blessing to dozens of others besides.
"He makes me feel like a real artist," remarked HVH resident Daniel Robinson in a 2007 story about Skippy written by Shanna Thompson for More San Pedro. "I love Skippy. He is my best friend."
Skippy, a former shelter dog, was adopted by Amy from the Old English Sheepdog Rescue of Southern California where Skippy is featured on the group's web page as a "Guccui" model in a "where are they now" spread.
Here's Shanna Thompson's story
from March 24, 2007:
It is virtually impossible for Amy Myers to walk the halls of Harbor View House without being stopped several times along the way.
While the residents are friendly with her, it is Myers' 95-pound Old English sheepdog who they are really drawn to.
With his fluffy, white mop of a coat and lumbering gait, Skippy is a favorite friend among those who live at Harbor View House, which provides board and care for approximately 200 mentally ill residents.
"He gives pure unconditional love," Myers said. "I'm grateful Skippy can come here and make people happy. He is a real friendly dog, like a politician."
As the coordinator of the Living Museum Art Center at Harbor View, Myers began bringing Skippy with her on an occasional basis when she started as a volunteer about three years ago. The dog was an instant hit, and about a year ago the residents petitioned for Skippy to come every day when Myers transitioned into her current full-time position.
"When you are around him, you feel nice and happy even if you are depressed," said James White, who resides in independent living provided by Harbor View and is the person who initiated the petition. "Skippy does that."
Hesitant at first, Julie Skillington, program director of day rehabilitation, agreed to allow Harbor View's four-legged staff member after Skippy graduated from sensitivity and good-canine training.
Since then, Skippy has become a fixture at Myers' side in the art center wearing his red therapy dog vest and happily accepting biscuits, a scratch behind the ears and the occasional stolen crayon, which is a favorite illicit treat for the 12-year-old dog.
"The primary function isn't therapy in the traditional sense," Skillington said.
"It is more that it feels good to the residents. The interaction is intrinsically rewarding for them."
Myers said she has seen residents who frequent the studio find comfort in their artwork and Skippy's company. Though as of yet, she said, she hasn't been able to persuade anyone to make her dog the subject of their work.
"He makes me feel like a real artist," said resident Daniel Robinson. "I love Skippy. He is my best friend."
Still, true to dog form, Skippy seems to find a way of reaching out and providing an emotional connection to the Harbor View residents who may feel isolated or disconnected from their families.
The effect is obvious as residents gather around Skippy hugging, petting and talking to him. An instant smile from a passing resident is not uncommon, and Myers hopes her dog's daily presence in the art center will attract more budding artists.
"I like to call him Dr. Phil sometimes," Myers said. "He helps people out."
Skippy
also provides a sense of normalcy and home for the residents, who aren't permitted to have their own animals in the dormitory-style rooms.Having him as a pet for the facility, Skillington said, helps them shed some of the stigma of being mentally ill and increases self-esteem.
"He makes me feel happy," said resident Dana Laxamana. "He is a sweet dog.
"He is a good dog."
About the Bloggers
Daily Breeze reporter Donna Littlejohn has shared her homes with a succession of wonderful, funny, and occasionally difficult canines -- Muffin, Fritz, Ellie, Mercy, Pilgrim and now Cowboy, an Australian shepherd-border collie, and Tess, a border collie. From strong-willed terriers to weirdly obsessed Australian shepherds, they've invaded her world with boundless energy, wet noses, muddy paws and soggy tennis balls. But they've really brought so much more than that -- like laughter and joy, some unexpected life lessons, and more than a few tears along the way.
E-mail Donna at donna.littlejohn@dailybreeze.com.
Josh Grossberg grew up with the usual array of animals: goldfish, dogs, hamsters, parakeets and turtles. He now owns the loudest dog in the South Bay(Video: Rocket the Dog) and is the least popular person on his block. He spends his free time in dog parks, pet shops and always has an extra plastic bag in his pocket just in case. He also has a cat.
E-mail Josh at josh.grossberg@dailybreeze.com.
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