Secret Salem Hero Has Four Legs

Submitted photo: Elisa Lasota and Diane Stringer, President and CEO of Care Dimensions, explain the role of a therapy dog to first-graders.

Elisa LaSota, a first-grade teacher at the Horace Mann School in Salem, Mass., and a Care Dimensions volunteer, spent the school year teaching her first-graders that heroes come in all shapes, sizes, genders and species.

The children corresponded with Patrick - their class hero - but had not met him until Thursday morning when Patrick paid them a surprise visit.

“My goodness, the kids were really excited,” said Amy Ouellette, a spokeswoman for Care Dimensions. “Patrick was well-behaved, and the visit went great.”

LaSota, who is a hospice volunteer, took the opportunity during the surprise visit, to describe how Patrick is a hero by the compassionate work he performs. The students have been corresponding with their hero since around Christmas time, and she had one of her colleagues pen the letters that “Patrick” sent back to her students.

Care Dimensions provides comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals and families dealing with life-threatening illnesses.