• ANGELS IN OUR MIDST
He can pull a wheelchair or a cart of groceries and guide the steps of his handler.

In fact, she has him right by her side as she travels the hallways of local nursing homes.

They're on a mission to bring back memories and to just make people smile.

Voice of Julia DuBose; Keller is my handicap service dog, of course, having to accompany me everywhere.

That's "Mr." Keller. He and Julia Dubose starting coming to the health care center when Julia volunteered to sit nights with an elderly family friend.

Julia DuBose, Visits Nursing Homes; He is a big boy. He is a warlock, German bred, German Doberman Pincher. So, he's a big boy; 120 pounds.

His gentle nature overshadowed his intimidating appearance and won more than a few friends during his visits.

Julia; A lot of them, their response is, "We had German shepherds growing up, we like big dogs. Please bring him on in."

Hey, Ms. Reba. I'm Ms. Julia and this is Mr. Keller; name for Helen Keller.

Joseph Ballay, The Health Care Center Administrator; Somebody new and fresh from the outside just gives them a whole new perspective that just brightens their day.

What kind of dog did you have growing up, a big one?
Bird dogs.

Though their family friend passed away, Julia and Mr. Keller keep coming back. And they don't come empty handed.

Julia; That is the Aunt Susie Cunningham pound cake. They love to have the cake made from scratch. Takes them back to their mothers and aunts and grandmothers.

Mr. Keller patiently guides Julia's steps, slowed and unsteadied by debilitating arthritis. They make their way through the hallways, stopping to share Aunt Susie's secret recipe and a little joy.

Joseph; It is great when someone from the community donates their time. And it does take time to come in and visit because you can't stop and visit just one. We have 180 residents.

Julia had to give up her job as a tutor to become full time caregiver for family members who fell to age and illness. She knows how important the little bright spots in a day can be. While her own journey can be painful sometimes, she has her source of strength.

Julia; God. He just keeps me going. He did to nurse my four loved ones constantly and still does. It just, it means the world to come here.Angels In Our Midst (Julia Dubose)
 

Your Name:
Street Address:
City:
State:
Email:
Daytime Phone:
Evening Phone:
Tell us about the Angels In Our Midst. :

You will be returned to the home page upon submission.
(Please only hit the submit button once.)

 
     
 
   •  VIDEO LIST
 
 
 

   •  WATCH THE WEATHER
 

Friday: Partly cloudy with a 30% chance for scattered showers in the afternoon. High of 92.

Fri. Night: Becoming mostly clear and cooler overnight into Saturday morning. Low of 69.

Saturday: Mostly sunny. High of 93.

Tropical Update:
The tropics are quiet.


 

 

 

 
   
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

Copyright ©2008, WEAR-TV
Portions are Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or distributed.
WEAR  files and maintains quarterly Children's Television Reports in its Public File.
The Public File is available to the public at  4990 Mobile Hwy.
Pensacola, FL 32506 weekdays from 9am  to 5pm.

ANNUAL EEO PUBLIC FILE REPORT
Privacy Policy
Copyright Notices
Terms and Conditions
FCC Form 388