Triad's Oct. 8 meeting began on a somber note.

Members respectfully acknowledged the passing of Judith Leiberman, community activist and Triad founder. Linda Lewis opened the floor for members to share memories in celebration of Lieberman's life. Art Villafane then read the Mourner's Kaddish (a prayer for the dead) and a moment of silence was observed.

In the spirit of Lieberman, those in attendance then shifted their attention to the current topic: therapy dogs. Handler Beverly Springer and therapy dog Sam opened the presentation with an explanation of the distinction between service and therapy dogs.

Service dogs receive extensive professional training and ultimately become guides and companions for those with physical limitations.

Therapy dogs are usually trained by their owners. Handlers and dogs must meet the standards set by either Therapy Dogs, Inc. or Therapy Dogs International to achieve certification. The role of such a dog is to provide comfort and support to people in a variety of settings through interactive visits.

Therapy dogs bring smiles and relaxation. Petting a friendly animal has been proven to lower the blood pressures of both people and animals.

Many therapy dogs are also, albeit unintentionally, funny. Springer recounted that during one hospital visit, Sam entered a physical therapy room to discover the tips of the patients' walkers covered with non-skid tennis balls. Much to the patients' amusement, Sam considered the tennis balls dog toys. Although he ultimately shifted his focus from the tennis balls to the patients, Sam remains convinced he missed out on a really good game, Springer said.

Like all good working canines, Sam closed his presentation by connecting with the audience. He shared pets and hugs and mugged for the camera.

The meeting resumed with a discussion of future projects.

Triad's endurance honors Judith Lieberman. Martha Lieberman, Judith's daughter, emphasized the importance of continuing and expanding community outreach programs.

Lieberman announced Project Lifesaver, a program run in partnership with law enforcement which protects and locates persons missing due to wandering, will be instituted locally in the near future. Judith Lieberman advocated Project Lifesaver. Her daughter finds its approval at this time a fitting final tribute.