Wally makes the rounds at Lutheran Home

Virna Taft shakes hands with Wally, who visits the Lutheran Home with Alexa Pohlkamp and Laura Geuther.

If you think you see fur flying in the halls of Westlake's Lutheran Home at Concord Reserve, it may be that a “volunteer” named Wally is making the rounds. Wally is a lanky, loving Golden Retriever who visits regularly with his owner, Laura Geuther, and her niece, Alexa Pohlkamp. Wally even has a “Volunteer” tag attached to his collar.

Bay residents Laura and Alexa receive a list of residents at the Lutheran Home who love dogs and look forward to Wally’s visits. It is difficult to stick to the assigned list, however, since many residents and staff members stop the group as they parade through the hallways, and ask to pet this extraordinarily friendly puppy. 

The smiles on the faces of the men and women reflect the true enjoyment they are experiencing. Residents tell stories of days when they owned a dog and share happy and memorable experiences. Alexa and Laura have given photos of Wally to many residents who post them on their bulletin boards. One resident regularly offers to keep Wally while Laura and Alexa leave to do errands. Others want a specific date that the three-some will be returning.

It is difficult to determine who gains the most from these visits – the residents, staff members, Laura and Alexa, or the famous Wally.