ROCKWALL (December 26, 2013) It is often said that laughter is the best medicine. For the sick and elderly, a visitor is sometimes all they need to help them feel better.
Dixie Belle the Volunteer Dog visits hospitals, private homes and nursing facilities, bringing comfort and joy to everyone she meets. While technically she is more Chihuahua than human, the four-legged companion seems to have an innate understanding of life, love and the need to be wanted.
“Company is therapy in itself,” said Dixie Belle’s owner, Phyllis Ludwig of Rockwall. “I’ve seen Dixie Belle breathe life into people who have lost their will to live.”
Dixie Belle dresses for the occasion – sometimes donning a holiday sweater; other times stepping out in a flirty sundress or designer gown. Despite her custom wardrobe and a closet that rivals that of any Hollywood star, Dixie’s diva status serves one purpose – to make sure others wear a smile.
“It all started when I ordered a pair of pajamas for Dixie, because she gets cold easily,” said Phyllis. “I posted photos of her visiting hospital patients, and when people saw them, they started sending her clothes. Dixie’s wardrobe got bigger and more elaborate.”
Award-winning designer Roni Penberthy of Hobo Cwab; Susan Allen, owner of Dora Jean’s Sweaters; and Lynn Davis of Off the Leash Custom Pet Couture are among Dixie’s generous supporters. Designer Andrea Hoffken even sent her a wedding dress from Germany.
Recently Phyllis cleaned out half of Dixie Belle’s closet because it was “taking over our tiny condo at Chandlers Landing.” The sale of the canine clothes covered medical expenses for a woman’s dog that needed surgery.
Providing care to the disabled is a very personal matter for Phyllis. Her brother suffered a traumatic brain injury, and resides in a nursing home in Kentucky.
“I got a phone call that my brother had fallen from a roof, and that I needed to drive to Kentucky to tell him goodbye. They didn’t think he would make it. But I told him ‘I’m not going to say goodbye, Jimmy.’”
It was during her visit that Phyllis got the idea.
“A lady brought a Poodle in to see another patient. The Poodle would snarl at everyone but its owners. But as the woman carried it around, I noticed patients perk up. I saw a yearning in their eyes. That’s when a bell went off in my head that I needed a dog I could take to the nursing home.”
Phyllis visited shelters in search of a little dog. As a child, Phyllis was bitten on the face, and remains leery of large dogs. Phyllis discovered Dixie Belle at a downtown jubilee. Dixie’s small stature and big heart won her over. Phyllis knew little about therapy dogs, and began familiarizing herself with Cesar Millan’s training techniques.
“I lived in the nursing home with my brother for six months, advocated for his care and attended brain injury conferences. Dixie would join me. I was learning a lot, and sharing it with others,” Phyllis said.
That compassion and devotion is what drove Phyllis and Dixie Belle to reach out to others. Dixie has even travelled to Germany and Austria with Phyllis and her husband, Udo, who sometimes assists with what has become known as the “Dixie Belle Project.”
“Dixie helps people of all ages, including those with mobility issues. When you place a dog that’s all dressed up on someone’s lap, all of the sudden they are smiling – or an arm moves that hasn’t moved in forever,” Phyllis said. “When you take an interest in someone that no one seems to take an interest in, before you know it their room becomes brighter; there are cards and blankets, and their spirit is lifted.”
Last month, the pair participated in the DFW ALS Walk. “One of our friends has Lou Gehrig’s Disease. We rally around him every year to raise funds for the ALS Association,” said Phyllis. “Dixieis a people magnet. She’s glad to make any appearance; she’s great at raising money for good causes.”
The Dixie Belle Project is a nonprofit organization in need of volunteers and donations like greeting cards, blankets, sweaters, house shoes and toiletries. Phyllis encourages people to “adopt” a nursing home resident, whether they visit regularly themselves or send care packages with Dixie. Phyllis is also seeking rent-free space to work and store the items that they deliver. Donations can be made via Paypal or check to: The Dixie Belle Project, 2931 Ridge Road, Suite 101, Rockwall, TX75032. To learn more, email thedixiebelleproject@aol.com or visit them on Facebook.
By Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News, all rights reserved. Photos courtesy of Phyllis Ludwig.
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