Submitted by Administrative Assistant and Photographer Laura Stafford
Sisters enjoyed some dog joy on Sept. 9 at Villa Assumpta's Rosary Community. Little Cooper entertained all with his antics and affection.
Cooper's "mom," Barbra Swann, brought the therapy-trained pup to visit with the Sisters as they continued their preparations to move to Stella Maris.
Barbra, a longtime friend of Sister Charmaine, shared her reasons for visiting:
"Sister Charmaine was an integral part of Saint Ambrose Church, starting back in 1970 until around 2000. I came to be parish secretary in June 1970, when I was 17. I am now 72!
"She taught at St. Ambrose School, but then saw a need in lower Park Heights that was not being met and developed the Saint Ambrose Outreach Center. She is godmother to three of my sons and is a great friend to me.
"Back in the 70s, the SSNDs were a beautiful part of the Saint Ambrose Family. Sister Francis Anne, Sister Cecilia, Sister Ann Marie, Sister Jean, Sister Mary Ann Harnett (my godmother) and numerous others. I have great memories of my time spent with them.
"When Sister Ann Marie fell, I wondered how she was doing and came to see her. My dog, Cooper, is a registered Pets on Wheels animal. We have been visiting the Northwest Hospital, Sinai and Future Care Courtland since July 2023. I thought why not add the SSNDs to the list? It is an honor to serve them."
