It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Emerson, The Shea Center’s 14-year-old Labrador/Golden Retriever retired facility dog. Emerson, from from Canine Companions for Independence​​​​​, entered our hearts in 2009 through our Program Services Manager and Physical Therapist Assistant Trish Evans.

Not only was Emerson a treasured family member to Trish Evans and her wife, Shea’s Administrative Development Associate, Nichole Bakke, he was a light and source of joy for many of our clients and their families. In 2021, after more than a decade, Emerson retired from his daily job of interacting with clients, but continued to come to work with Trish almost every day.

Emerson at the Annual BBQ & Family Faire. 

Often called our “most popular staff member”, Emerson could perform over 40 commands that were designed to motivate and inspire our clients with disabilities. We will always remember Emerson’s ability to get even the most reserved clients to come out of their shells.

We are all full of gratitude for knowing and working alongside the wonderfully loyal and spirited Emerson. Trish said it best: “Through the years, I have seen first-hand what I like to call ‘The Emerson Effect’, Joy, Motivation, Acceptance, Love, Companionship, and Happiness are just a few of the emotions I’ve seen when clients are with Emerson.”

We miss you already Emerson – you will live on in our hearts forever.

Emerson with The Shea Center’s new CCI Facility Dog, Diamond.