I love a good coincidence. I was walking Stanley in the neighborhood when a young man stopped me and asked, “Were you in the movie I Love You Man?” Pleasantly surprised because it’s been a few years, I replied, “Yes I was.” He laughed and said, “I told my parents that was you.”
ELBEE It’s been more than a few years. And “pleasantly surprised?” She was ecstatic!
What are the chances that the next day Gus and I would be at the Wasserman campus of the Motion Picture and Television Fund in Woodland Hills. It offers living accommodations plus services for health and happiness to working and retired members of the entertainment community. I suddenly realized that my ten second cameo might make me eligible.
ELBEE Is she serious?
Gus was there to help out. The physical therapy department of the center will be closing so the staff morale is low. They thought a therapy dog would be just the right medicine to cheer everyone up. They were correct.
As Gus walked down the hall with large photos of stars like Robert Redford and 
Paul Newman on the walls, he seemed to be in his element. There were smiles and comments like “fluff ball” and “absolutely adorable.” Gus, who can never get too much attention, was at the top of his game.
ELBEE I’m so proud of my little protégée.
At first we stood around and made light conversation. Then, as Gus sprawled out for a belly rub, we all ended up sitting around him on the floor. It’s funny how a dog can “direct” you without even trying.
ELBEE She’s desperately trying to use movie references.
Problems disappeared, at least for awhile. We laughed and shared stories. There was a lot of curiosity as to how how the dogs train and test for work. Everyone was so relaxed that when it was time for photos we somehow ended up lying on the floor. Not really sure how that happened but of course Gus was behind it.
As we were leaving, and I was thinking about my status in the entertainment world, they showed us one more special feature. They had a private dog park for the residents. And not just any dog park. It had a big sign, modeled after the Hollywood sign, that read “Doggywood.” I couldn’t take Gus’s picture fast enough!
