Mary With Golden Retrievers By Her Side

Mary Weslow was a social worker in San Diego, CA and when she moved to Bellingham, WA she began providing home health care to clients. Caring for other people has always been part of Mary's life.

After arriving in Bellingham, Mary didn't know a single person. Pet Partners welcomed her with open arms and made her feel valued. Through the connections she made within the organization, she had amazing experiences and met wonderful people. At that time, the dog by her side was Zsu Zsu, a Golden Retriever who Mary said acted like Mother Teresa. Zsu Zsu's gentle disposition and keen interest in meeting people led the way for many successful visits as a registered team with Pet Partners.

Together the two made visits to Veterans who had lost a limb in the service, as well bringing smiles to foster children in camp programs.

After Zsu Szu's death, Sonnet became the Golden Retriever in Mary's life. They often made visits to people in hospice care in a facility. One time Sonnet was determined to visit a man in a room who had family members visiting him. Mary was hesitant to enter the room because of the family members but Sonnet was set on entering. Sonnet laid her head on the gentleman's hand so he could stroke her. Mary remembers the patient tearing up while he was patting Sonnet. The family members shared that this gentleman had trained dogs for a living, and they were all grateful for this meaningful visit before he died.

Although Mary and Sonnet are no longer registered with Pet Partners, they still bring smiles to those they meet in their community.

Given her involvement with Pet Partners over the years, she decided that including Pet Partners in her estate plans was the best way to give back. She designated a percentage of her estate be directed to Pet Partners and the Humane Society because she values the mission of both organizations.

Not only do we appreciate Mary's involvement in volunteering but also for her unwavering support of Pet Partners through a future gift from her estate.