By Russ Brown
Photos by Matt JohnsonÂ
Comfort, Cuddles & Canines: Meet Gilda’s Club Louisville’s Hardworking Comfort Dogs
If you're a dog lover, a caregiver, a cancer patient, a person who enjoys volunteering or someone who simply wants to give back to the community by helping a worthwhile organization, Gilda's Club Kentuckiana has a place for you.
First, some background is in order, courtesy of CEO Karen Morrison, marketing director Suzanne Goldring and Gilda's Website at gck.org.
Gilda's Club is named in memory of Saturday Night Live star Gilda Radner, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1986 and died in 1989 at the age of 42. Radner was supported in her illness by psychotherapist Joanna Bull, who believed in a correlation between emotional and physical well-being. In 1995, Radner's widower, actor Gene Wilder, and Bull founded the first Gilda's Club in New York City.
Gilda's Club Kentuckiana was founded in 2005 by six Louisville cancer survivors and opened its doors in 2007, becoming the first cancer support community of its kind, "with the unique mission of uplifting and strengthening people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities and breaking down barriers to care."
Goldring said Gilda's has served over 20,000 people with 60 different types of cancer, providing a network of support for the cancer community — all free. Among the wide range of 180 programs offered each month are support groups, educational workshops, healthy lifestyle programs like yoga, art and music therapy, and social events.
"We exist not just for the person with cancer," Goldring said, "but for the whole family and anyone who loves that person."
Gilda's main clubhouse is on Grinstead Drive, and another location is Gilda's West at 17th and West Broadway. Additional clubs will be opening soon in Clark and Floyd Counties in Indiana.
A part of the organization's program is the extensive use of therapy dogs, and both Goldring and Morrison have first-hand knowledge of the benefits. Goldring has a 2-year-old golden doodle, Ellie, who was named after a long-time Gilda’s Club volunteer and graduated with a therapy dog certification in January.
Morrison, who has been Gilda's CEO for virtually its entire existence, adopted River, now 2, and had her trained as a therapy dog after she was found on a highway and taken to a kill shelter at 5 months old. The black and tan dachshund was so ill that her survival was questionable. Morrison's intent was to take her to a vet, hope that she could regain her health and then find her a permanent home. But when that time came, she and her wife, Jennie, had grown so attached that they decided to keep her. It didn't take long before they realized she would make a good therapy dog for Gilda's.
"She seems to be a natural," Morrison said. "She loves it. When people need a dose of unconditional love, she's willing to provide it, letting people love on her, giving little kisses back. People can be sitting stoically, not super receptive, and they just melt with these dogs. Humans have their guard up with what they share, and they don't want to get emotional. But with a dog, they seem to let their emotions go, accept the unconditional love and give a bit."Â
The program has grown under Morrison's leadership because she saw such value in it and was able to create a solid infrastructure that has provided support and enjoyment to countless numbers of people.
"We've got several regular dogs," she said. "When we have any big events, I can't recall when at least one of them wasn't here. Not everybody engages, but so many do and really appreciate it. Animals can break down those barriers we have human to human."
Following are thumbnail sketches of several Gilda's Club volunteers and their therapy dogs:
MAC BARR and JESSI
Jessi is a 5 1/2-year-old, dark red golden retriever, but about 20 pounds smaller than most retrievers at 52 pounds. She was a surrender rescue, delivered from Florida to PAWSITIVELY Dog Grooming in Louisville, which trains companion and service dogs. Barr says therapy dogs are born, not made, and that Jessi is a prime example.
"They have to have a disposition for being a therapy dog," he explained. "Some dogs are aggressive, overly shy or bark a lot. They make a good family pet, but not a good therapy dog."
Jessi received her therapy dog training certification from WAGS Pet Therapy of Kentucky in Nov., 2022 and has since accompanied him on over 100 visits for Gilda's Club at hospitals, support groups and other events.
"She loves to be touched, is super friendly, likes other dogs and people of all ages," said Barr, a retired investment manager. "In a hospital she will normally go right up to the bed and put her paws on it. She brings joy to people, whether it's a patient, family member or hospital worker, and they pet and hug her. People open up in ways to a dog that they don't with people. This wasn't on my radar at all, but I thought I'd give it a try, and I love it. The people at Gilda's are such nice people."
COREY HARRIS and MOOSE
Moose, who recently turned three years old, is a great dane/great pyrenees mix who weighs "north of 130 pounds," according to Harris, who acquired him shortly after moving to this area from Chicago in 2021 because he thought walking a dog would be a good way to meet his new neighbors.
Harris learned about Gilda's Club at Moose's certification graduation and has been  involved with the group ever since as a volunteer because he says he wanted to serve the community. He also volunteers at Norton Children's Hospital. The pair often serve as greeters at Gilda's events and Harris enjoys the positive impact Moose has on people of all ages.Â
"People are developing relationships with him and vice versa, building a bond," he said. "It's really nice to watch. He is curious, gentle, loving and playful. With Moose being so big, I can see the fear in some people's faces when they first meet him. But he breaks down walls. It's fun to see people warm up to him and see how loving and sweet he is."
Harris, who is in electrical sales, said Moose especially likes children, and in turn they adore him too.
"At the hospital he will jump up on the bed and lay down with kids while they pet him," Harris said. "He will protect any and all children. Some run up and hug him. It's really cool to see."
DEBORAH HOLLADAY and DUNCAN
Duncan is a nine-year-old collie who Holladay, a professional mental health counselor obtained from a southern Kentucky breeder when he was four months old. She had owned collies before and knew them to be patient, sweet and loving.
Duncan is tri-colored, mostly black with a white front and a little brown. He comes from a long line of champion collies, but his career in that field was cut short because he was too laid back and wouldn't get excited enough in the show ring. Holladay started the training process because she felt it would be helpful for some of her clients to have a dog in the office.
"Therapy dogs are generally comforting and used often in the mental health field," she said. "Most big hospitals have therapy dogs on staff. I have clients who come in just to see Duncan and tell me he is just what they needed that day, that he has been uplifting for them. I have never gotten a negative comment. Everybody will thank me when they're through (with counseling) and need to move on."
Holladay and Duncan work with both Gilda's and Hosparus. They are on hand for caregiver dinners and also for special events.
"I love it and he loves it," she said. "Duncan is sweet, even-tempered, and patient. He loves everybody, all animals, all people; he is great with kids. I have never seen him growl or snarl or be upset with anybody. He loves to be loved on. He is stunning, beautiful. He is a favorite in the neighborhood. People may not know my name, but they know his."
If you or anyone you love is living with cancer, Gilda’s Club can help. Reach out at 502.583.0075 or at gck.org. Ellie, River, Jessi, Moose and Duncan will be there waiting for you.
