This page is in tribute to those CAP members and/or their dogs who have recently passed away. We are grateful to these therapy teams who gave so much to the lives that they touched during their time with CAP, whether visiting or serving as ambassadors of CAP’s mission at community events. Therapy dogs and their handlers are generous and nonjudgmental in the connections they make with those in need. We honor them for the time, effort and care they gave.
Roxi O’Brien
Roxi and her family moved to the Cape when Roxi was four years old. They first met long-time member, Janice Weiner, as she and her dog were coming out of the Sandwich Library where they had been visiting with other teams. Jan gave Carol a CAP pamphlet, thus beginning Roxi’s career as a therapy dog. Carol and Roxi enrolled in the very next class, and after successfully completing their evaluation, they had their orientation at Cape Heritage on December 18, 2013, with their mentor, Sheri Healy.
Over the years, Roxi and Carol visited Cape Heritage, Tradewinds VNA, Forestdale School, and 4 C’s during exam time where the students got some puppy love.
Roxi had her 16th birthday last month, and sadly, has passed away. Roxi was a spunky, lovable therapy dog who will be missed. CAP is grateful to Roxi and Carol for their dedication to CAP and for brightening the lives of all those they visited.
Karen Carafoli
Though we miss Karen’s generous nature, her humor and indomitable spirit, we are grateful for all that she contributed to CAP and to the residents of Cape Cod whose lives she touched.
We thank Karen’s daughter, Amy Carafoli, for her contributions to this memorial.
Lauren and Daisy Johnson-Lavender
Casey Seifert
Casey was a young 14-year-old, her team member, Mary Jo, said. People were always surprised when they heard her age. She didn’t look it or act it! When Mary Jo thinks of Casey, she always thinks HAPPY. Her tail was always wagging, no matter what she was doing and that wagging tail was accompanied by a big smile. Her life involved daily three mile walks, swimming 2-3 times a week, and an average of 2 CAP visits weekly. Casey brought joy to her family, friends, and the countless new friends she made through her work with CAP. She was born with what seemed like a sixth sense when it came to the emotions of others and knowing who needed love. Mary Jo saw this demonstrated many times over the years.
Casey’s last day was spent doing what she loved. Casey and Mary Jo had their monthly visit to Forestdale Elementary School, where Casey received lots of hugs that were reciprocated with kisses. After that, Casey and Mary Jo walked their usual loop, which included going through downtown where everyone Casey knew greeted her.
Casey was a sweet, kind girl who will be missed by many. CAP members who had the opportunity to know Casey share in mourning her loss and are appreciative of all that Casey and Mary Jo contributed to CAP and to the many Cape Cod residents whose lives they touched.
Izzy Watts
Judy Watts, the human half of Izzy’s team, says that Izzy never acted her age until a month before her passing at a 15+ years. Izzy started out in Rally-O and from there, she trained in Agility work. She was forever the imp, looking for new things to learn and people to meet. Izzy was a perfect therapy dog for 15 years who amazed Judy with her understanding of the needs of everyone she visited. When at a hospital or acute care facility, she seemed to know where comfort was required, and when invited, she’d lie down on a patient’s or resident’s bed in exactly the right place. Izzy allowed Judy to adorn her with silly hats that always helped make a connection and bring a smile to hard-to-reach residents. As Izzy and Judy got older, they got involved in performing AKC tricks, attaining Advanced level. Judy says that if you wanted to see pure joy, all you had to do was watch Izzy as she ran on Cape Cod beaches going as fast as her little legs would take her. Judy’s sweet pea, Izzy B! CAP joins with Judy in the hope that Izzy’s spirit now freely runs all the beaches and flies with the Osprey.
Ranger Soyt
Ranger Soyt’s owner, Tova, describes him as a sweet and energetic boy. He greeted everyone from the UPS driver to the grandchildren with boundless enthusiasm. His favorite things were running through the snow, belly rubs, and of course, peanut butter. Although he was only in the CAP program for less than a year, he brought joy to the residents with every visit. Tova and her family miss Ranger’s presence in their home. CAP wishes a fond farewell to Ranger and wish that he could have been with us longer.
Crystal Rogoff
Nancy Rogoff’s beautiful, loving, and precocious Golden, Crystal, passed the CAP evaluation when she was only four months old but had to wait till her first birthday to become part of a therapy team. Once onboard, nothing could stop her. Crystal visited with Nancy for 11 years. Nancy says that Crystal “is” her loyal companion of a lifetime. She calls her a Soul Dog whom her family was lucky enough to have with them for 14 years. Nancy and her canine companion went to many CAP events: Cape Cod Hospital, The Terraces, Latham School and libraries. Crystal was loyal and brave with a gentle disposition, a gift she left with her family and all whom she met. Rest in peace, dear Crystal. CAP thanks you for your kindness and dedicated service.
Maybe Meyers
Maybe Meyers, a retired CAP therapy dog, passed away in late March. Her owner, Kathy, says that her sweet, little Maybe is now a new star in our night sky. At the vet, as Maybe began to slumber away from this life, she was still giving kisses and munching down some tiny treats. Kathy says that Maybe truly made the most of her dozen years on Earth, making folks of all ages smile and share moments of pure joy and innocence with her. Maybe and Kathy made a difference in the many lives they touched during their years of visiting with CAP and as participants in the 4H Paws for the Arts Program. Here’s Maybe cuddling one of her favorite stuffies. CAP thanks Maybe and Kathy for their years of service to the Cape community.
Tillie Cross
Tillie with her owner and best friend, VeeAnn Cross. Tillie had only been working as a CAP dog for a short time before she died of liver cancer, but for years before she became a member of CAP, Tillie brought joy to all she met. VeeAnn says it was as if Tillie had been training her whole life to be a therapy dog. She brought smiles and laughter to the residents of Atria whenever she “sang the song of her people” – a joyful “Roo-o-o!” in response to their loving attention. Tillie is greatly missed by her family and anyone who had the pleasure of enjoying her smile, her singing, and her other silly antics. CAP thanks Tillie for her service and her songs.
Brady Pierce
It takes an extraordinary dog to give what Brady did on every CAP visit. He loved his job and was always eager to go to work. Brady’s favorite command was, “Go say Hi!” It was a directive he carried out with never-ending enthusiasm. What a sweet and loving boy Brady was! Brady is pictured above at a children’s visit with his favorite person, Debbie Pierce, getting and giving lots of love.
Masie Antosh
Beautiful, little Masie passed away after fourteen years of a joyful life. Her handler, Jay Antosh, called Masie his pal, his love. CAP will miss Jay and Masie and all the comfort and happiness that they gave to so many. Farewell, dear Masie!
Zoe Colman
Long-time CAP therapy dog, Zoe Colman, and her owner, Steve, brought much cheer and solace to everyone they met at care facilities, hospitals, schools, and libraries. They were a team that represented what CAP is and does. We are grateful for their many years of therapy work.
Chillin Bishop
Seen here with her owner, Nancy, Chillin seemed to be on a fifteen-year mission to love everyone she met. In turn, all who had the pleasure of Chillin’s company loved her. She brought happiness to many who will miss the warmth and kind spirit that she shared in a variety of settings throughout the time she and Nancy spent with CAP.
Foster Stripling
Mary Stripling said a sad goodbye to Foster after a last walk with him on the beach. For many years, they spent summers on the Cape with CAP visiting care facilities and children’s programs. Foster just loved his time with kids, some of whom thought that he actually knew how to read. Summers will be less sunny without Foster and Mary.
Coco Skudder
Coco was a dignified and loving chocolate lab. He visited for years at Atria Care Facility with his owner, Joanne. His calm, patient presence was a gift to residents and staff. Coco knew his job and he did it well. Coco will be missed by Joanne and his CAP family.
Tucker Jensen
Tucker was well loved and had a wonderful life. His mom, Stephanie, describes him as a sweet, happy dog whom she called “The Ambassador of Love” because he was always so glad to meet people and let them know that he thought they were special. Tucker loved his ball-chasing walks in the Mashpee River Woodlands, swimming, and going on trips in the car, especially when he and Stephanie were on a CAP mission. He was only eight when he passed away, but Tucker brought joy to so many during his time here. He will be missed by all his people, especially Stephanie, with whom he shared a special bond.