Dawn and her two-year-old Shorkie, Mickey, do everything together. This includes working at Echoing Connections of Central Ohio.

Dawn has been in the healthcare field for 15 years. Nine of those years have been with Echoing Connections. When asked, Dawn shares she is where she is supposed to be.

“At Echoing Connections, you get to know the individuals deeply, in a meaningful way,” she shares. “You see each other every day. You become like a family, like friends.”

Two years ago, Dawn and her husband found themselves to be empty nesters. Her son’s dog had a litter of puppies, and he encouraged Dawn to take one. This was not her plan; however, after meeting Mickey, she knew there was no turning back.

“When I went to see the puppies, Mickey immediately came over,” recalls Dawn. “He made it obvious he had chosen me. I knew I couldn’t leave him.”

Dawn began to take Mickey to work with her as he was little, and she did not want to leave him home alone. He quickly showed he was destined to work at Echoing Connections too.

Mickey enjoys helping individuals from Community Living of Central Ohio come to Echoing Connections each day, often jumping into someone’s lap. He loves attention and will spend the day sitting with individuals, playing ball, and even acting as a guard dog.

“He knows who is supposed to be here and who is not,” shares Dawn. “If there is ever an unfamiliar visitor, we immediately know by the bark.”

Mickey has brought another invaluable resource to Echoing Connections. His ability to bring comfort to those served.

“If someone is ever in pain or discomfort, Mickey immediately knows,” says Dawn. “This seems especially true for those who are non-verbal. Mickey will sit on their lap or lay next to them to make others aware.”

Dawn and Mickey enjoy coming to work each day. Dawn considers the patience and relationships she has gained most rewarding. Mickey, on the other hand, finds the greatest reward in the food secretly shared with him. A tasty treat for a dog-gone hard day of work!