Dropping off her computer for repairs, Gail Noren’s eyes deadlocked on a Miniature Schnauzer out on a stroll in the parking lot. Finding out that the puppy’s owner had a salon and boutique in the same shopping center sent her inside.
Gail told Marlese Bogacki-Wilkes, owner of Mopp Design Studio in Fayetteville, of her dad’s year of many losses that included a recent unwelcomed move into an assisted living facility.
“In his nearly 92 years of life, my dad has rarely been without a dog of his own,” she told the hair designer. “His last, a Mini Schnauzer rescue dog, died in 2017. She was kind enough to allow me to take pictures of her pups (Angus, Tux and Luna) and encouraged me to bring him by to visit.”
A couple of weeks later Gail returned with her father (Ken). The puppy, Luna, jumped into his lap and promptly fell asleep. “It was as if she intuitively knew how much he missed the love of a dog,” his daughter said.
The visit that “made Ken’s day” was shared with Marlese that resulted in tears of joy and an open invite. It wasn’t long before the salon owner volunteered to let them borrow the puppy.
The day before Ken’s 92nd birthday, Marlese bathed Luna and sent her over to spend the afternoon with him along with a birthday card, and a framed picture of Ken and Luna’s first meeting.
Ongoing, the now three months of weekly visits, chats on the porch, pizza and Blizzard runs, and much more have forged into relationships that have deeply changed two families.
Credit: Gail Noren
Credit: Gail Noren
“Both of my grandparents are gone and my parents aren’t here. Ken said I can’t call him ‘Grandpa’ because he said he’s not old enough to be called that,” Marlese said.
“He is the easiest going, sweetest, kindest soul I have ever met in my life. Gail and I have become close. We talk like we’ve known each other for years. I feel like holidays are going to be different now because we have this second family,” she noted. “I wish you could see this man’s face light up when I pull up. It’s life changing.”
Azalea Estates Assisted Living Community Relations Counselor Mirna Coeur has seen the ‘old’ Ken returning. “Marlese has such a personality. It is so big. She makes him feel special again. She’s given him hope and a bit of purpose.”
Each Sunday we write about a deserving person or charity events such as fun-runs, volunteer projects and other community gatherings that benefit a good cause. To submit a story for us to cover, send to ajc.doinggood@gmail.com.
