BY LUGENE HUDSONLHUDSON@NCNEWSONLINE.COM
New Castle News
December 22, 2005 09:15 am
—
CLOSER LOOK
COMING TO A CALENDAR NEAR
YOU -- ARAGON, A GOLDEN CREATURE
WHO OFFERS COMFORT WORTH MORE THAN GOLD.
A handsome face, a gentle disposition and an ability to spread joy has made Aragon an Ellwood City superstar.
Now the Labrador/Golden Retriever mix -- a grief therapy or facility dog at Turner Funeral Home in Ellwood City -- is gracing the page of a calendar.
Just call him the latest cover dog.
The three-year-old Aragon really has hit the spotlight as the featured November 2006 photograph in the Canine for Companions for Independence national calendar.
In the photo, the 70-pound cutie with melt-your-heart brown eyes is surrounded by funeral director Ken Turner; his handler and Turner's, wife, Pam; funeral director Dave Reynolds and his son, Howard; and an Ellwood City woman, Ann Lemke.
Aragon's photo, which joins those of 11 other assistance dogs, depicts him at the funeral home helping families who have had a loss.
The calendar also includes text. In Aragon's segment, it says, "Something very unique and special happens to the families who enter one of the Turner funeral homes in New Castle and Ellwood City."
The text also mentions that Pam Turner said many people request his presence because Aragon seems to sense grief, and the visit command is very calming.
"I don't know what we would have done without Aragon," was a comment from one family who lost their son. Those remarks were contained in the written segment along with "He was able to get through to mom when no one else in the family could."
Canine Companions for Independence was founded in 1975, and Aragon underwent intensive training. His purpose is identified by a blue vest he wears while working and he responds to about 40 commands.
Pam Turner and Aragon graduated from CCI's North Central Regional Center in Delaware, Ohio, in September of 2004.
She said Aragon has made a tremendous difference in how people deal with death. Along with offering a calming effect, Aragon also has become a member of the Turner family.
"It was such a great honor for Canine Companions to ask me to submit photos of Aragon working," she said.
The Turners were also pleased to hear from William Blake of CCI's national headquarters in Santa Rosa, Calif.
With a note of congratulations, Blake also said, "Great article and photo, and thank you for your ongoing support of the mission of CCI."
Proceeds from the sale of the calendars goes to CCI in Santa Rosa and provide for dog training, raising and placement, without cost, to people with disabilities or to nursing or rehabilitation centers.
At Turner's, Aragon is great with adults and children, said Pam Turner, who only takes him to a grieving person after asking if it is all right. Plus he never barks.
The calendar is available at the Turner Funeral Home locations in New Castle and Ellwood City, and the cost is $12.50. It may also be ordered online at www.cci.org.
Despite his newfound position as a hometown celebrity, Aragon resumes his daily routine of providing comfort to others.
With his unique stamp of compassion, Aragon has become a popular sight in the Ellwood City area.
And now he is a pin-up dog. Could Hollywood be next?
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