The Sioux City program has a unique staff member roaming the halls of the center. Meg, a 12-year-old Labrador, can be found regularly visiting residents with her owner and Dismas Counselor, Jessie Christopherson. Meg came from a small, underfunded animal shelter in Kansas and, like many of the residents, understands the value for a second chance. Meg has a long career as a certified therapy dog who worked in Sioux City area hospitals, Hospice of Siouxland, the Sioux City Community Schools, and other locations in the community. Therapy animals are known to ease stress. She brings unconditional love and affection for the residents, and loves the attention they give her. Staff and residents alike look forward to her visits and enjoy the little piece of home that Meg brings to the cen-ter. “I have tried to retire her twice,” Christopherson re-ports, “but she loves her job and visiting Dismas keeps her young.”
