THE SILENT HEALER
Meet the Boxer Who Changes Lives
At first glance, Sullivan is already a special dog. An adorable white boxer with a dark patch of fur around his right eye, he’s the kind of canine humans of all ages instantly fall in love with. If his cuteness wasn’t enough, he’s best known in his community for bringing people together in extraordinary ways. Originally found in a shelter in Coachella, California, Sullivan — who is deaf — lives in Oregon with his guardian, Allyson Ridling. A social worker and family therapist, Ridling has made Sullivan’s sweet temperament and calming presence a significant part of her practice. After bringing Sullivan to reading sessions with children (much to the delight of the little ones in attendance), she began including him in walking sessions with her clients. Fluent in sign language, Ridling has also introduced Sullivan to hard-of-hearing people worldwide via online video chats.
Early last year, Sullivan and Ridling received a 2024 Oregon Humane Society (OHS) Diamond Collar Award for their compassionate work. Thrilled by the honor, Ridling credits her animal companion with helping her clients find greater joy and comfort. “Some of these people just needed to reconnect with love and feeling this undoubtable connection between the human and animal bond,” she says in a special OHS-produced YouTube video on the award. “That’s what they needed to help open up and take their next step moving forward in their life.”
comfort helps those who are struggling to open up. [He] may not be able to hear, but his impact on the mental health of those around him speaks volumes.” Proud of her furry friend’s loving nature and many achievements, Ridling believes that animals like Sullivan can work wonders for people’s therapeutic treatment. “I think the human/animal bond works really well because animals don’t judge. They have unconditional love to give people. As [a] society, we could all work better to strive to be as loving and caring [and] as open- minded as a dog can be.”
The OHS was proud to honor Sullivan for his fantastic work with humans.
“As a therapy dog, Sullivan is a friendly presence for kids to practice their reading,” the organization says on its website. “His
IT’S TIME TO REFRESH YOUR ESTATE PLAN! Secure Your Legacy
Sometimes, life comes at you like a runaway train. Births, marriages, divorces, real estate purchases and sales, retirement, or the sudden incapacity or death of a loved one — all of these events can swiftly render your estate plan outdated. Updating your estate plan at least every 3–5 years is essential to ensure your wishes are carried out. A review can also avert mishaps — such as bequeathing a big chunk of your estate to that ex-son-in-law you detest or funneling the proceeds of your life insurance policy to your ex-wife because you forgot to remove her as a beneficiary. As the new year begins, this is a good time to sit down with your attorney and review the details of your estate plan, including your will or trust, living will, and health care and financial powers of attorney. Consider whether your children can navigate the splitting up and receipt of their inheritance peacefully. While a simple will may be all you need, a will does not eliminate the need to go through probate. A trust can cost more upfront but may be
cheaper in the long run because it avoids the legal entanglements that can arise during probate. Planning for potential incapacity is increasingly vital as our lifespans increase. If you become completely incapacitated, a power of attorney will save your trusted representative from having to go to court to manage your affairs. A living will, also known as a “pull-the-plug” document, can ensure your wishes are carried out. Does it look as if you or your spouse may need long- term care? Talk with your attorney about whether to put a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust in place to ensure some of your assets are protected from long-term care costs. If you have a special needs teen approaching age 18, consider setting up a continuing tutorship so you can continue to oversee their affairs. Updating these details may take an hour or two now, but it can avert days or weeks of problems for your heirs and safeguard the legacy you want to leave. Chip offers all our clients a free complimentary estate plan review every 3–5 years. Don’t hesitate to call us today.
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