written by Gerald (Bub) Isaacson
“Hello! My name is Gerald Isaacson, but most people call me Bub. I am 69 years old and recently retired after working in the Graphics Industry nationwide. I was born in Ogallala, Nebraska, and moved to Wichita in the mid-50’s where I eventually graduated from South High. I have been happily married to my wife, Janie, for 45 years. We have two daughters and four grandchildren, ranging in age from 6 weeks to 7 years old.
I am enjoying retirement and love spending time at Table Rock Lake. Among other hobbies, I also love to volunteer. My dog, Tucker, is a certified Therapy Dog, and we spent time visiting different organizations together. I volunteer at independent and assisted living centers, including Alzheimer’s units, and at the Wichita Children’s Home. I met Cayla Wasson, Coordinator of Rainbows’ Connecting Point program, while volunteering at the Wichita Children’s Home. I was vaguely aware of Rainbows and the help they offered to children. Cayla and I discussed possible opportunities of Tucker visiting one day.
After our talk, I considered how well Tucker would work with the children at Rainbows, and loved the idea of giving them the chance to interact with him. After getting connected to Rainbows’ Volunteer Coordinator, I now provide pet therapy in each classroom at Kids’ Point on a weekly basis. Each Tuesday, Tucker and I visit 5 different childcare rooms, ranging from babies to pre-K.
Rainbows has been a new experience for Tucker and I, and I am learning more each visit. My favorite memory so far is meeting a 16 month old boy as he was working with two physical therapists. He was with his mother, and all three adults were working hard with him on trying walk. The therapists asked if Tucker could work with the child, to which I certainly agreed. The first session we just got acquainted, and by the second, the little boy showed much more interest. He even stood while holding onto Tucker, this time with a SMILE.
I would absolutely suggest that others volunteer time at Rainbows. Obviously, working with the children and seeing their reaction to Tucker’s affection is the best part for me, but the response to this therapy from the classroom staff is almost equally as rewarding.”
Thank you, Bub, for sharing Tucker with the children and supporting Rainbows through your volunteer efforts.
Find out how you can get involved with Rainbows by contacting our Volunteer Coordinator, Sidni Garwood, at sgarwood@rui.org. Our next event, the 6th Annual GLOW Run | Walk, requires lots and lots of volunteers…and we would be thrilled if one of them was YOU!
Apply to help for this event here.
