Denny's Way
He started working with Sage two years ago, and initially hesitated from acquiring Sage since he was not sure he could do justice to Sage’s life. What if he needed something in the middle of the night? But after working with Sage, the bond became strong. Denny’s humorous, kind and firm ways – made a perfect match for Sage to be his working assistance dog. They made a remarkable team.
Whether Denny was out at a Mall or at Balboa Park, he was entertaining the public with Sage picking up any trash and putting it in the big trash containers. When they attended Opening Day at The Miracle Field for special needs children to have the opportunity to play baseball – he assisted a young man who would not take his arms out of his tee shirt to play ball. So Denny and Sage sat with him in the dugout and when it came the boy’s turn to bat, Denny and Sage went up to bat with him – and the boy hit his first baseball and Sage ran the bases with the boy. On his next time at bat, the boy hit the ball on his own, bringing his father to tears.
My last outing with Denny was to a Padres game, which centered around his recognizing a little girl who was fascinated with Sage when she entered the park. So he called her up to his seat and let her take Sage’s leash and walk him back and forth along the aisle. The smile on his face to see how happy it made this little girl’s trip to the ballpark was priceless.
This was always the Denny Russell way – he will be greatly missed by so many, but the wonderful memories for all shall remain. TLCAD is honored to have worked with him and grateful for his immense contribution to our organization.
Fondly,
Karen Shultz
Sage’s Trainer and Denny’s Friend
>Please watch our featured video honoring Denny Russell here
