LITTLE ROCK — Each Monday, Natalie Williams takes Penny, her 6-year-old golden retriever, and Sophie, her 2-year-old goldendoodle, on a mission of comfort.
Williams and her therapytrained dogs have visited an estimated 450 patients over four years at the Hospice Home Care center on South Bowman Road in west Little Rock.
“It’s something I feel I was called to do,” said Williams, 16, of Little Rock. “I enjoy giving back.”
Because of her work, thehome-schooled high school junior has won the 2009 Daniel Cayce Award from the Clinton School of Public Service. The award was established in 2005 and is given to high school juniors or seniors.
It’s named after Daniel Cayce of Bearden, who won the inaugural award four years ago by helping needy families in southeast Arkansas.
Hope Marie Brookins, then a Bryant High School senior, won the 2008 award for organizing an “Adopt-a-Grandparent” program at herschool.
“Every year, the Daniel Cayce Award gives us a chance to learn more about the outstanding and creative volunteer efforts of Arkansas’ high school students,” Skip Rutherford, dean of the Clinton School, in a news release announcing this year’s award. “You’re never too young to become a public servant.”
On Monday, Williams returned to the hospice and visited patients.
“It’s uncanny how the dog seems to sense what the family needs,” said Karen Harris, director of Hospice Home Care. “Penny may nuzzle someone, or just lay with the patient and nap.”
Harris said several patients have responded to Penny at times when they were lethargic and would not answer to humans.
“I think it’s calming,” Harris said of the dogs’ effect.
Williams said she noticed five years ago that Penny had a temperament for working with people. She took classes and became certified in pet therapy with the retriever.
“She came to me and said, ‘This is what I want to do,’” said Tongua Williams, Natalie Williams’ mother. “She did this all on her own.”
A few weeks after her training, Williams visited a neighbor at the hospice. “I thought this was a great place to take Penny,” she said.
She brought her dog the next week and has done so ever since.
The visits have extended beyond the hospice. Penny and Sophie have traveled to grieving family members’ homes. They’ve also attended funerals and memorial services.
“She has had quite a following here,” Harris said of Williams. “She’s taken this on to a whole new level.”
In her application letter, Williams wrote: “We come into people’s lives as they draw to a close and provide comfort during their last days. Volunteering at Hospice Home Care has really given me a new perspective on life.Seeing people who have days left to live makes me realize that the things many typical teens value aren’t important.”
Williams doesn’t brag about her work or the award. Many of her friends don’t even know she brings her dogs to the hospice weekly.
“Those who do know think it’s cool, I guess,” she said.
Williams said she intends to go to college and may develop a therapy dog program for students stressed by exams and other academic pressures.
“I don’t really know what’s next,” she said. “I just want to go where I could serve best.”
Northwest Arkansas, Pages 7 on 01/05/2010