Honoring Ella

MARGARETVILLE — The world lost a beautiful soul on November 20th when longtime, much-loved therapy dog, Ella Truitt, crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  For over eight years, she created miracles every week, from getting 93-year-olds and adults with autism over their lifelong fear of dogs to encouraging nursing home residents to say her name when they uttered no other words.

Ella was a natural at therapy dog work.  On the first day that she met with a professional trainer when Ella was only one year old, the trainer said, “this dog needs to be a therapy dog.  She is smart, she looks you in the eye, she craves attention, and she brings warmth to the room.”  After completing her training, earning her Canine Good Citizen certificate and passing her evaluation with Pet Partners, the highly esteemed therapy animal organization recommended by her trainer, Ella took it from there, with a career of 900 facility visits bringing smiles and comfort to 26,000 people.  She visited four facilities on a regular basis, along with a smattering of other visits:  Mountainside Residential Care Center in Margaretville; the Anderson Center for Autism in Saugerties; the Pavilion at Robinson Terrace in Stamford; and the Delhi Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Ella didn’t care who you were, what you looked like, how old you were or what you believed in; she was an equal opportunity spreader of joy.  And, she absolutely loved her work, which you could see when she perked up when she was told “let’s go to work” and the smile she had on her face during all of her many visits.

Ella is survived by her humans, Jen and Brent Truitt of New Kingston, her grand-dog-ma, Joan Smith, and her beloved housemates, Chaucey, Dave, Auntie B. and Penny Parker.  Jen and Brent are forever grateful to the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society for bringing Ella into their lives.  Also, special thanks go to Pet Partners of Central New York for supporting her therapy dog career and Delhi Animal Hospital and Upstate Veterinary Specialties for providing her with such compassionate care.

For those who were fortunate enough to know or meet Ella, there would be no better way to honor her memory than to vow to make someone new smile each and every day, as she did.  While she will be missed by thousands, her life should be celebrated as the gift that it was.