×

An Amazing Dog

For nearly six years, Prozac served as therapy dog, getting plenty of pets, and providing comfort

Photo submitted for publication Prozac working as therapy dog

“The best therapist has fur and four paws.”

This is the story of Prozac. Not that Prozac. Prozac the dog. Yes, that was his name. And this was his story. In fact, we’ll let Prozac tell it, posthumously, if you will — through Patty Gabreski, clinical social worker:

Prozac:

“Some people don’t understand the name, some chuckle, but I get it. You see I was always meant to be a therapy dog, although my humans didn’t know that at the beginning. They were both health care providers, and the family came up with the name because either they thought I needed some prozac because I was a highly-sensitive pup, or because I had a way of helping others feel good. Of course I prefer the latter reason.

“Life started out on a farm on Gibbs Hill in Sheffield, and my humans found me there with my mother who was a respected Golden Retriever hunter.  My father was a show dog, must be the reason I was told I was so handsome!

“Anyway, I was chosen to be a bird dog hunter, but it didn’t quite turn out that way. This is somewhat embarrassing, but I don’t like the loud sound of guns.

“Don’t get me wrong, I loved the woods, smells, chasing porcupines (that’s another story), but bring along a gun and I’m headed for the back of the jeep.

“Life was good. My humans understood, and I became a very happy, furry family friend. What a great family to be a part of — to teach compassion, responsibility, play, and the love of a dog as a family member. They were good years, and country living at it’s best!

“Then they moved. Yep, left the state of PA and went to live on a lake in N.Y.

“It took some time to get used to, but I learned I could swim and chase geese, not such a bad gig!

“But something else happened, something that changed everything.

“My best girl human began working with me to do unusual, yet interesting activities. She had me walking on a loose lead and I had to always stay close and not get distracted, even when there were other dogs and humans.

“She could visit with others, but I needed to stay calm and uninvolved. This was hard work! There was always a reward at the end, so it became something interesting.

“She told me I’d be taking a test, to get certified as a therapy dog… I had no idea what she was talking about.

“To make a longer story short, it was hard work. I did great at the therapy part, but I also had to pass the Canine Good Citizen test.

“I failed that one twice. Hey, you try walking past some 12 chairs with treats and try not to steal one!

“As they say, three’s a charm, and I passed!

“The next and best part of my life began. I earned a blue vest from Therapy Dog’s United (in Erie), and began a real working job at Deerfield Behavior Health, with my best girl human. I never knew what she did all day. She helps people feel better, and I was told I could help, too.

“Just showing up, people talked to me and I got all kinds of pets and scratches; this was a dream job.

“I got in trouble sometimes for eating people’s Kleenex, but, hey, I was just wanting to stop their tears. I was told I listened very well, and just my presence had a calming effect in the office. I loved it there. I heard all kinds of stories. There were always people coming in and I even got to visit folks in the waiting room. Sometimes I heard stories about their dogs, and it seemed that people wanted to talk to me and it brought them a smile. The kids were the best, they were at eye level and it was great to lean in a hug to them and cause a giggle, especially when I sensed they were uncomfortable or uneasy. What better job in the whole wide world??

“That gig lasted almost six years. I’m pretty proud of that. When I saw that vest coming out in the morning for me to wear, I couldn’t even spend the time to tinkle in the woods, I had to jump into the backseat for the drive to work! I had a great life, and I wanted to share my story.

“I heard my humans say, if you’re lucky you get one amazing dog in a lifetime… I’d like to add it goes both ways, and my human family included all the humans who worked at Deerfield, and all the visitors there. What a wonderful place.

“It is time for me to go; 13 years in a dog’s life is like 91 years in a human’s. It was a great gig — Thank you, Warren community — Thank you, Deerfield. Thank you.”

——

Prozac passed away peacefully at home with his humans by him, on Monday, Oct. 31. He is best known in the Warren community for his dedicated time as a therapy dog at Deerfield Behavioral Health, providing care from the fall of 2010 until recently retiring April 2016. Like his name suggests, he helped people feel better.

Prozac was best at listening, providing a calm presence, and providing ample opportunities for pets from those people, and scratching behind his ears.

He leaves behind his beloved humans, co-therapist Patty Gabreski, Bob Gabreski, and his most special playmates, Derek, Chad, and Scott Gabreski, and most recently Ariadne Gabreski.

He loved his work and all the wonderful humans he got to meet and help provide care and attention.

He wanted us all to remember:

“When all else fails, hug a dog.”

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today