Pier 94 NYC, 11/14/01:

John and Amy Bennett visited pier 94 on Wednesday, 11/14/01 with their pooches Newman & Taylor. Here is John's view of the visit.

"I must say it went better than we had anticipated. The ferry ride over was easy, but we were met with conflicting policies. We were let on with no problem, but were hassled on the return trip, so I'm going to try to get something in writing from them stating we can board."

"Taylor was totally on his game yesterday, totally unaffected by his surroundings. As a matter of fact, he was LOVING the ferry ride! He was almost prancing up the West Side Hwy, taking it all in. On the return trip he had is nose jammed through the railing so he could check out where he was heading. I was very proud of my boy!"

" Newman wasn't so thrilled with the ferry, but turned on his usual goofy charm and personality for the rest of the day. Upon entering the building we were met with much enthusiasm, not the grim faces I expected. On the whole it was a very positive experience, the staff being the primary recipients of the visit. There were many people there for services, but they were mostly behind the curtains and out of our jurisdiction. I'd say we saw over a hundred people or so, all very, very pleased to see us (them!). Newman seemed a bit reserved, however. I'm sure he knew more of why we were there than Taylor did, and it was reflected in their attitudes. Newman was worried about everyone, Taylor was checking garbage cans for snacks. Taylor's only blemish was a single bark at a passing Golden, but anyone who knows Taylor knows that's just him, so it was a good day all around."

"We're going to try to get in one more time, as they told us they'd likely be closing up towards the end of the month."

Authored by John Bennett.

  Pier 94 NYC, 11/28/01:

Well, we finally made it to the Pier. It was quite a day! I had no idea what to expect.

First, I'd like to THANK Charlie Bird for driving me in and showing me the ropes. I'm sure I would've gotten lost going on my own.

I wasn't sure what to expect from Cinder either. She's a "country" dog, never been to the city before. I'm pleased to say, she was fine. Not phased by a thing. Well, actually one thing did bother her a bit. We were asked to go in a bit early as a Japanese TV station was doing a story about therapy dogs helping at the pier. When the camera man walked in real close on Cinder, she backed up a bit - but - the camera was bigger than she was! I whipped out a cookie and she was fine (little chow hound!). We also met Ursula, the Director of TDI, her husband, and therapy dog Mr. Woo. And a TDI evaluator and her husband from south Jersey with their beautiful flat coat retrievers. Everyone was very nice and all the dogs were on their best behavior.

After the filming outside, we went in and got to work. What a sight we must have been - 150 pound Harry and 16 pound Cinderella! Harry is very well known and it seemed every few feet someone was calling his name. Cinder jumped right in to get her pets and belly rubs. Again, she wasn't phased by the crowds, noise or anything. She seemed very happy to be there. Actually, it wasn't all that crowded. I guess that's a good sign.

We mostly visited with volunteer workers. Almost all put on a smile when they see the dogs coming. We did get to visit with a couple of family members and it did seem to take their mind of their problems for a few moments while petting the dogs. They thanked us gratefully. It was very rewarding. Most of the volunteer workers also thanked us for coming. They really need a lift. The thing I will remember most about this day was just as we were leaving. We stopped to chat with a volunteer worker (one of Harry's buddies). This person said how she'd been there since 9/11 and didn't know when she would get a break. She said the stress was getting to her. She said that this disaster is so different from any other she's worked on. So much more emotional and personal. You could tell she was running on empty. She said as we were leaving that the dogs really do help relieve the stress for her. That made the whole trip worthwhile. If we hadn't seen another person, it was worth going in just to brighten up that woman's day. I can't imagine what she's seen and heard and experienced these last couple of months. I'm sure it takes quite a toll! It's nice to know that we do make a difference, even if only for a short time.

Cinder slept the whole way home. Not surprising. It was a long day for her. The surprising thing was when we got home, her battery was recharged! She was happy, jumping and barking and trying to play with Pierce. I think she had a great day. She's now really sacked out and that's where I'm headed.

For those of you who haven't been to the Pier yet, and might be considering going, here's some info for you:
~first of all, I felt very safe there
~things are well organized and people are very friendly and helpful if you need directions or anything
~At the potty area - watch out for broken glass and other dogs' droppings
~when we first go in, the security people outside checked our ID's (human and canine). They also searched my fanny pack and tote bag (that made me feel even safer)
~then we sign in at the sign in desk inside and they give us volunteer badges.
~next, off to the TDI table, where we again sign in. This is pretty much a "comfort station" for us and the dogs. There is a dog crate for our use, water bowls and dog biscuits. Also chairs to sit down and take a break. You can leave your jacket and tote bag there if you don't want to carry them around
~There is bottled water in the cafeteria for us and the dogs.
~You can also have lunch in the cafeteria (no charge), however, the dogs are not allowed in the dining room. We took turns holding each other's dogs while the other people went to eat.
~It's very warm and dry inside - I think Cinder drank about a gallon of water! We humans seemed to get a bit dehydrated too, so don't forget to drink.

I think that about sums it up. I'm glad I finally got to go and look forward to going again.

Authored by Karen Vogt.

  Cinder's Second Visit to Pier 94:

Just want to send a quick note, while today's visit is fresh in my mind. We accomplished quite a lot today. We were able to visit with many family members as well as volunteers. Today's visit was very interesting. I have 3 memories that stand out from today's visit.

First, one of the volunteer workers was a having a bit of a hard time and a couple of the other volunteers were trying to lift her spirits. She had even come over to our area looking for the dogs for a pet therapy "fix". Luckily, we found her and Harry and Cinder were able to give her some of their special TLC.

My second memory is bad and good. We were visiting in a fairly crowded area when a young girl came up with a toddler to pet Cinderella. What a shock for us, when the toddler kicked Cinder in the head!!! Cinder was visibly shaken but behaved like a trooper. She just moved away from the little girl and sat by my side. I explained to the toddler gently that you can't do that to animals and had her sister help her pet Cinder. Then I took Cinder off to visit some adults. We then went in to one of the children's rooms because I wanted to give Cinder a positive experience with a child. I was fortunate to find a sweet little girl (about the same size as the one who kicked Cinder) who gently pet Cinder while she laid on the floor. Cinder was not at all frightened or upset. So, I learned to expect ANYTHING from little children and am SO PROUD of the way Cinderella handled herself. She is some SPECIAL girl!

My third memory is heartbreaking. I was speaking with a couple who lost their son on 9/11. They were telling me how badly his dog is grieving. The dog who was very outgoing and playful, will not eat or touch his toys or play with anyone. He just sits in the corner by himself. The dog has become very ill and the family is so concerned about him. I will pray for this dog every night. We think about how this tragedy affects the humans, all Americans, but it affects the families' beloved pets as well. Please keep the pets in your thoughts and prayers. They're hurting too. I'm getting tears in my eyes, so I'm going to end here.

Authored by Karen Vogt.