Comfort at the Copley

My heart is broken for the people of Boston.  There are no words to explain the tragedy that occurred on Monday at the Boston Marathon.  All of America was once again reminded of the gut wrenching fear felt on September 11 when the world as we knew it was changed forever.

Again we were holding tight to our loved ones, keenly aware that life can change in an instant.  Again we tried to explain unexplainable evil to our children and again we raised ourselves up and we tried to go on.  We cried, we prayed and we prayed some more.  As I allowed myself to watch just a bit of the news this morning I noted that the reporter was standing near the Fairmount Copley Hotel.  I am not sure if it was my brain’s defense mechanism but I was instantly reminded of a much more pleasant memory closely associated with the Fairmount Copley.

In the summer of 2008 I visited Cape Cod with my college roommate and our children.  It was a relaxing week, just the girls and the kids; swimming, exploring and shopping.  While shopping in Chatham, we happened upon a book store where a well dressed gentleman and his beautiful black lab were gathering a crowd outside.  Having 2 eight year olds with us, we approached them and asked to pet the dog.  The dog we learned was named “Catie” and she lived at the Fairmount Copley in Boston.  She and her dapper concierge friend Jim were there to promote a book about Catie and her adventures living in this famed hotel.

As a puppy Catie had been training to be a guide dog however when it was discovered that she had small cataracts plans, changed. Since the Fairmount Hotel had already had success with a “Canine Ambassador” at their Canadian properties they decided to adopt Catie for the Boston Hotel.  Today Catie lives among plush surroundings greeting guests and providing a bit of warmth and puppy love to those who visit the fine city of Boston.  Guests who stay at the Fairmount Copley are welcome to arrange to spend time with Catie.  This special treat can be arranged through the concierge desk where one can choose a time to take Catie for a walk or run around the city.  Maps are offered of some of Catie’s favorite sights and as a special treat, each guest is given a biscuit to toss to Catie at the end of a job well done.  Children who are too small to manage her size and strength are invited to walk her around the lobby, snuggle with her or even read her a story.  This gentle giant is the most popular employee in the hotel!

Today as I watch the media frenzy and I glance at the Fairmount Copley in the background, I find myself picturing this beautiful black lab sitting upon her bed in the lobby.  I like the idea that today especially this beautiful girl might be just what the people of Boston need; a shoulder to cry on, a body to hug and a promise that there truly is still more good in the world than bad!!!