In Memory of Teddy Bear

Teddy Bear

Friends,

Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Roxy’s sweet Teddy Bear. Teddy was a prominent fixture in Roxy for 12 years. He was truly loved by so many. Roxy will miss him greatly and the children in our community will too.

Here are some words from his owner/handler, Barb Blasko :

Teddy became a Roxy therapy dog at 18 months and loved every moment of it up until his last visit in May of this year. Teddy had such a big heart and he was so full of love for everyone he met. Teddy’s therapy career started when he took over at Buckingham Elementary, Mr. Smith’s 2nd grade class from Riley and later on adding an Autistic support class and volunteering with the Courthouse program.

I was the initial Courthouse Therapy Dog director and Teddy loved going to the Courthouse, volunteering at C&Y and he helped orient new teams. Teddy was also part of the first team for the expansion of the Courthouse program for the DA’s office. He was a natural, knowing who needed a big bear hug and snuggle. And not just the children but anyone he saw he just knew who needed him.

Teddy also represented the Roxy Courthouse program along with myself, Diane Smith and the original Roxy at the Pathways Conference at State College. This led to his unforgettable appearance in the Comfort Dogs in the Courts by PA courts video where he photobombs at the end trying to kiss the camera. Which you can still watch on YouTube.

Since we had volunteered at Buckingham for so many years, his past students would rush down the hallway to see him. In Mr. Smith’s class when he would come into the room they would chant his name "Teddy Bear” over and over which he gave them a big smile.

I am so grateful that I was fortunate to share so many memories with him while volunteering with Roxy Therapy Dogs. And all the comfort he brought to so many lives.