Five Minutes of Normal

Posted April 8, 2010

WHEN SOMEONE is facing difficult and frightening circumstances, a friendly face can make all the difference. When that face happens to be that of Brewster Abroms — a volunteer dog with Hand-In-Paw, Inc. — it also provides a moment of unexpected cheer - a welcome distraction from problems at hand.

Louise Abroms and her family rescued Brewster, a six-year-old flat-coated retriever, as a puppy from the Humane Society. Brewster has since returned the goodwill by coming to the emotional aid of people in real crisis, from cancer patients to at-risk youth.

Hand-In-Paw sends teams of owners and pets into settings such as the University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center, the YWCA, and Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center to provide comfort to people in need. When Louise decided to get involved with Hand-In-Paw, she and Brewster underwent many hours of training and tests until Brewster became certified through the National Delta Society in 2006.

A Few Minutes of ‘Normal’

Louise and Brewster volunteer weekly at the Comprehensive Cancer Center where Brewster’s role is simply to provide a little cheer and help people think of something other than their illnesses. As they await treatment, patients pet, brush, or even walk Brewster. Usually Brewster performs a few tricks as well, making him a canine celebrity there. “Sometimes we walk in and are greeted with, ‘Hey Brewster!’” Louise says. “He’s like a rock star.” She adds that Brewster also has become a darling among the hospital staff, who always have treats for him.

Brewster works with patients in another special way. When small children are sedated for cancer treatments, Brewster and Louise are with them until they fall asleep, then return as the children start to wake up. “They think Brewster has been there the whole time.”

Later, Louise and Brewster move on to other parts of the hospital to visit. One patient who recently enjoyed Brewster’s company is Brandon Francis, who is battling a rare illness. A hospital staff member made a special request for Brewster to pay Brandon a visit.

“We have two dogs of our own,” explains Brandon’s wife, Lori, “and when Brewster hopped up in bed with my husband, it was really just like being home. It was five or 10 minutes of normal.”

A Bridge for Communication

Other days, Brewster participates in Hand-In-Paw’s Pawsitive Living program at Glenwood where he and other teams visit children who have autism or behavioral problems. Here he sits with the children as they go through group sessions on different social themes.

“I think that with Pawsitive Living, the animal serves as a bridge for communication,” explains Candice Armstrong, Hand-In Paw’s volunteer director. “A lot of those youth have experienced abuse or neglect, and often the kids will connect with the animals before they will connect with people. The animals can’t laugh at you. They don’t know anything about your background, and they’re just happy to be with you.”

Louise echoes that theme when describing Sit, Stay, Read at the YWCA, where children literally read aloud to the animals. “The pets don’t judge or correct them,” she says. “The kids will read and even show them the pictures — it’s so cute. It makes reading fun.”

A Labor of Love

Before leaving for a volunteer session, Louise prepares Brewster by fully grooming him and outfitting him in the special scarf he always wears which gets Brewster excited because he knows he’s headed to work.

“It takes effort to do all that, but so what?” Louise says. “It really puts things into perspective when you see people who are struggling. It takes you out of yourself for a few hours so you can realize you have to be grateful for what you have. And after you’ve been to a hospital or these other settings and put smiles on some faces, you really feel like you have been a help in some small way.”

Although Candice and others who have worked with Louise rave about her natural ability to put people at ease, Louise herself says, “It’s not about me at all. It’s all about Brewster — and he doesn’t even know it, so he has no ego. It just all works.”

Regions is a proud sponsor of Picasso Pets Debut and Auction, an annual fundraiser for Hand-In-Paw being held this year on August 14, 2010 in Birmingham, Alabama.

For more information on Hand-In-Paw, visit handinpaw.org.

LOUISE ABROMS is a Regions customer.

comments (33)

I was truly touched by the Brewster and Louise story. I love dogs and would love to get involved in this most worthwhile cause. The unconditional love that a dog has for his loved ones is the best kind of love. Brewster just doesn't know what kind of special treatment he brings to the people he touches in the hospital.

Cindy Voss

This is such a great story. It is very inspiring to see that there are such wonderful programs offered to those who deserve it most. That is one good dog!

Sarah

Way to go Brewster and Louise! I am a former therapy visit assistant with HIP. I moved to Virginia 3 months ago and have yet to find that special Sunday afternoon touch I enjoyed with the team that serves St. Martins in the Pines. Mariela and team, I talk about you all the time. Boomer, Moses, Heidi, Ivan, Sully, Josie...., I miss you.

Penny Southward

Louise, What a great story. We love you and Brewster. But don't forget that you and your family played a huge role in giving Brewster a loving and caring heart. Brewster now is spreading the LOVE!

Karen Cunningham

its good to know that people still care about each other. thanks for being there.

brenda henderson

I also was very touched by this story, I think it is wonderful to get involved in something like this. Brewster sounds like a wonderful Dog! Keep up the good work Louise!

Angela Segars

It is inspiring to read Louise and Brewsters' story. It is amazing to really understand that animals have a capacity to love without limitations or discriminations. I hope that we-the itelligent ones-can some day do that and accept others as they are. Brewster does not see the infirmities or disabilities but does see the need for touch and caring. Louise and Brewster are doing a wonderful thing for others. Brewster can sense what others can't and is filling a spot where unconditional love is needed. I know Louise and Brewster are blessed by what they do. Thank you for blessing others.

Judy Bates

I think it is a blessing. I was previously employed at a nursing home and we had a person that always brought her animals. You could just see the joy and smiles on the residents faces. Keep up the great job you're doing!!!

Rhonda Huffman

This is a wonderful story. It is great to see this special program and the good that it is doing for those facing such a hard road ahead.

Emily

Awesome story!! That is a great dog. I love dogs & have one myself. They do bring a smile to your face, if you are down. What a great way to cheer up someone's day :-)

Melissa

this is a wonderful story!! I would love to meet Brewster, he sounds like a great dog and I love what he and his owner do for the community :)

victoria d

This story brings back great memories of my dog. She could always bring a smile to my face and I think it is amazing that these patients are able to escape to normality, no matter how brief, to experience the love a canine companion can bring!

Jenni Webb

Great story, there truly are angels all around us . What a blessing! Retrievers are so loving and can just sense that they are needed. Keep up the great work Brewster!

Cindy

What a truly inspirational story. I have cats however, my life seems at ease whenever I am with them. In my opinion handinpaw.org is a wonderful organization that allows the people who deserve it the most, to have some calmness and pleasantness in their lives. I know what calmness and great feelings my cats bring to me whenever I am ill, so therefore I want to say thank you to the owners and the animals who willing give of themselves for a great cause.

Mary

This was a wonderful story and I truly appreciate that people take the time to be there for the ones in need.

Meghan Benoit

Good Job to Louise and Brewster. Good Job to Regions for bringing us this wonderful story. Keep up the great work...

Sandy Chillog - Private Banking

Louise, not only are the patients blessed, but you are blessed as well. Thank you for your love and work for others!

Mary Brewer

This is really a sweet and helpful program. What an awesome thing to bring a little bit of happiness to those going through an illness. They are both doing a great job! Woot Woot!

Jill Pate

being a pet mom myself, I know the power of unconditional love pets can bring to your life. Brewster's story really touched my heart. The caring your family showed from the beginning with Brewster truly has made him the caring dog he is and has enabled him to give back the love he receives from you every day. Hats off to you and Brewster and keep up the good works.

judie hayes

Thank God for such a wonderful life affirming experience of pure love and affection acceptance comfort and even hope traveling on four paws!

Sharon Johnson

Animals are such wonderful companions, not only dogs and cats, but I recently made a visit to the coast and was in a position to actually swim with the dolphins! What an exciting experience! Thank you Regions for this excellent story!

Derek Starr

Dogs only know love and to give love. It is so true that he does not know how much of a hero he is. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about how special he is and what he gives to others. My daughter teaches Special Education K-5 and I wish she could have a dog like Brewster there every day for the special children my daughter loves. I wish every school could have some type of program like this. HOW AWESOME WOULD THAT BE????????

Judy Watkins

We are extremely touched and overwhelmed by all of the kindness coming from all of you. You make us realize that there truly are so many wonderful compassionate people. Hugs and Licks to all of you.

Louise and Brewster

when I was a little girl, the only reason I knew that God existed was because I saw him in every animal I saw. His glory, speed, grace, and love. Something, at the time, I did not see in people. Look at Brewster, see what I mean? Louise sees in him these same qualities and that is why God put them together.You guys are really something! keep it up! God keep you both.

mary stacy

There's a movie "All Dogs Go To Heaven" and it's true. Brewster is a perfect example of why this rule exists. Dogs give unconditional love without expectations - not even the expectation of the love being returned. They're just really excited when it is. Go Brewster!!! People could learn a lot from animals (dogs in particular) if they would listen with their hearts.

Jacqueline

Hand-In-Paw is a great organization. We recently adopted SugarBear, a 4-year old female Boxer from Shelby Humane. She was kept outside most of her life and used as a puppy mill dog. Belying any stereotypes this is one of the sweetest dogs you will ever meet. We took her to the Hand-In-Paw mutt strutt in March and everyone fell in love with her. We are planning to be more involved with HIP once Sugar passes her Intermediate obedience training this month. Having a canine family member is a very rewarding experience. To think the life she came from and with the exception of a few loud noises and over the top dogs you'd never know this dog had been mistreated. Their ability to move on is inspiring. Sugar also sleeps with her tongue out. The longer she sleeps the more tongue is out, and she staggers when she wakes up to eat breakfast. She is definitely a close kin. Great story Brewster, keep up the good work!

Brian Batista

This story truly touched me. You go Brewster, you ARE A ROCKSTAR! Louise, thank you for sharing your loving spirit with others.

Tamara

This is an awesome article. To see the love that is displayed throughout this article reminds me of the story of Ruth and Naomi. It is a joy to help those in need and see the glow upon their faces when they know that someone cares. Thank you Louise for touching our hearts with this story of Brewster and thank you for the vision implied.

Julia Powe

Animals are wonderful and always brighten your day. I am sure when you are in a hospital and not feeling well that has to be the highlight when brewster comes to visit. Thanks for bringing a smile to those who need a little cherring up.

Laville Brown

I LOVED THIS STORY. IT REALLY TOUCHED MY HEART. I LOVE ANIMALS AND I BELIEVE SOME ARE SENT FOR THIS PURPOSE OF COMFORTING THOSE IN NEED.

LINDA KONTOL

This is a great story. My husband passed away in 2003, and right after I got "BabyDoll" my toy Shihtzu....she helped heal my heart with her unconditional love. I can certainly see how Brewster can be such a joy! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story.

Charlotte Morphis

This is a touching story and all for a good cause. Just to put a smile on someone else's face. Dogs can be great company with all kind of love.

Tiffany

This is an awesome story. My 8 yr. old niece was recently diagnosed with cancer and is spending a lot of time at Children's Hospital in Birmingham. She is lucky enough to have met some of these wonderful pets, and it helped her so much when she had to go for her first radiation treatment. Without Kosmo's help, she would have been a nervous wreck. Thanks for all you guys do.

Cassidy