On Tuesday, Stanley and Gus had their photo shoot for the UCLA calendar, a tradition that I have really come to cherish. During COVID, following protocol, the pictures were taken outside. This year we were back on the B level of the hospital, the same area where Charley and Elbee posed for photos years ago.
The theme of the this year’s calendar was the Olympics with Gus and Stanley looking fabulous in their tennis wear. In 2021, when it was a takeoff on movie titles, Gus was a bride and Stanley a groom for “Man’s Best Friend’s Wedding.
ELBEE I would have made a beautiful bride.
For the 2023 calendar shoot, not only were we back in the regular place, but 
as always, Juliane, the long time photographer, was there to work her magic. Charley, Elbee, Gus and Stanley have all been in her lens.
To make it even more nostalgic, the dogs were dressed as doctors and nurses, just as they have been in the past. Putting Gus and Stanley in their medical gear felt very familiar.
This cover photo is a special part of the People Animal Connection history. It includes some PAC dogs who are no longer with us but whose amazing work will never be forgotten. Charley and Elbee are in the back row on the right.
ELBEE I’m a PAC icon.
What made the afternoon even more fun was the appreciative audience. So 
many people who were at the scattered tables, working on laptops or eating lunch, had their phones out to capture the dogs in costume. There was lots of laughter as they watched the dogs posing in their outfits. One doctor even asked to take a photo with them.
The next morning when I went back to UCLA with Stanley to visit our regular neuropsych units, he had a very special moment with the teens. As we were gathered in the day room, some of the kids suggested bringing in one particular boy who had severe issues but loved dogs.
A few minutes later, his one-on-one aid brought him in to join us. He had very awkward movement and I believe was severely autistic. He was also non-verbal. Two things immediately stuck me as he stood by the doorway. One was the joy on his face as soon as he saw Stanley. The other was the kindness of the kids in the group. They were so encouraging when he tried to pet Stanley and in almost a whisper said a few words like “soft” and “nice dog.”
Watching his interactions with Stanley really made me think. Dressing the dogs like doctors and nurses for the calendar is lighthearted fun. Yet they all possess such healing spirits.
