By Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
Photo by Mary Ellen ZangaraBonnie Charkowick brought her therapy dogs to the senior center last week.
Photo by Mary Ellen ZangaraBonnie Charkowick introduces Gibson, the therapy dog, to senior Phyllis Diraggers.
Photo by Mary Ellen ZangaraDolores Novicky strokes Gibson, a therapy dog, at the senior center.
Photo by Mary Ellen ZangaraHelen Riker shares the company of Max and he with her.
Dogs give,
take love
from seniors
Dogs
– 8DOGS –
Mary Ellen ZangaraSpecial Writer
Firehouses and dogs seem to go together as the senior citizens center welcomed canine visitors Friday to the seniors’ midday home in Manville Fire Department No. 1.
The seniors were treated to four furry little friends who came to make them smile.
The therapeutic dogs, owned by Bonnie Charkowick, came to the center to visit with the seniors.
"We do a lot of dog therapy. They are all from shelters and adopted, and I have one more at home," she said.
Ms. Charkowick brought Gibson, Murphy, Max and Sparky, but Jimmie stayed at home. All of the therapeutic dogs are males.
Ms. Charkowick said Gibson and Max "love to be held, and if anyone wants to hold them on their laps, I can give them to you. Sparky will sit on your lap, but he will squirm in a few minutes."
Sparky still had some red in his fur as Ms. Charkowick explained he was in the Memorial Day parade.
"Gibson is very sweet," she said. "He will curl up in your lap. Does anyone want to hold Gibson?"
Phyllis Diraggers raised her hand, and Gibson went on her lap. Ms. Diraggers sat petting Gibson, enjoying every minute.
Lisa Carra, manager of the center, said this was the second visit by Ms. Charkowick and the dogs.
"It is a nice chance for the seniors who don’t have dogs to see what companions they can be," she said. "They are well taken care of, and it gives us an opportunity to see how wonderful it is to have a dog."
For information about programs offered at the Manville Senior Center, call Ms. Cara at 908-526-0175.

