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Meet Your Neighbor: Vera C. Leake
By Callie Thomas
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” – Roger Caras
Some people are just dog people. Journalist John Grogan, author of “Marley and Me,” summed up that special feeling dog lovers have for their four-legged friends by saying that “Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart.” Resident Vera Leake is a dog person. In fact, it was the adoption of her dog T-Bone that set off a chain of events that would ultimately lead her to a lifelong passion.
“For years I had been searching for my calling,” says Leake. “It evolved through a number of life experiences beginning with the adoption of T-Bone, a wonderful lab-heeler mixed breed from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.” It wasn’t long after adopting T-Bone that Vera’s father became ill with lung cancer. While her father was in hospice she had an opportunity to witness the comfort that was provided to patients facing their illnesses and discovered how visits made by animals made a huge impact in their therapy. “The positive experience and appreciation I gained from my father’s time in hospice led me to have T-Bone trained and certified as a therapy dog,” she said.
Vera became a regular volunteer at Nathan Adelson Hospice as a pet therapist. Although her father passed on, Vera and T-Bone make weekly visits to the center as part of their routine. “It is part of our comfort care program. Nothing brings a smile to my face and to patients than from the positive experience and happiness that T-Bone provides unconditionally.” Leake also acts as an advocate and general cheerleader in motivating other residents and pet owners to consider serving as pet therapists. The healing powers of animals again proved powerful when Vera’s mother began showing signs of Alzheimer’s. While caring for her mother, T-Bone also played a role in providing a bright light amidst a challenging situation. “My mother was always thrilled when T-Bone came along on my visits. She enjoyed tossing a ball which he dutifully chased time and time again for her enjoyment.” As a means of recharging from her on-going care giving duties, Vera found herself spending time with T-Bone at a self-service dog wash and pet store called The Soggy Dog.
While the store carries natural pet foods, toys, treats and pet wellness products, The Soggy Dog is also a resource to the many breed specific pet rescue organizations and shelters in the community. Perhaps it was Vera’s on-going expertise in a variety of retail and administration positions or just a few regular outings to clean up T-Bone that became the catalyst to become a business partner and part owner of the shop with local resident Tracy Bosler. More likely, it was another opportunity to combine her love of dogs with volunteering in the community. “We have donated products and washes over the years to support the various shelters and rescue centers,” said Leake.
Her devoted husband of nearly 15 years refers to the place as “the clubhouse,” and Vera is thrilled to be a regular fixture there, enjoying the wagging tails and sharing her experiences as a pet owner, volunteer pet therapist and now business partner of The Soggy Dog. “Giving of yourself and your time for me is personally rewarding,” she said. “I take personal pride in everything I do, and I truly enjoy what I do.”
Vera Leake’s heart is big and the work she does within the community is proof of the powerful healing accomplishments of man’s best friend. She continues her work with Nathan Adelson Hospice and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, two legged or otherwise, which also includes their other canine adoption named Shortstop.
