Dennis Erickson has spent his career helping people. Today, he brings joy to residents with Rocket, his adopted Jack Russell terrier turned colleague and therapy dog at Eastview Health and Rehabilitation Center in Antigo. Erickson is writing a children's book about Rocket with local cartoonist Brian Ponshock.
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Rocket the therapy dog
Angela Fitzgerald:Dennis Erickson has had quite the eclectic career. There’s one thing all his jobs have in common.
Dennis Erickson:I like bringing joy, I like helping people.
Angela Fitzgerald:Now retired, Dennis still works part-time at Eastview Health and Rehabilitation Center in Antigo.
Dennis Erickson:Thank you. I initially just wanted to go in there and volunteer. But they said, “With all your experience, we’d love to have you be on staff.”
Angela Fitzgerald:A year after starting at Eastview, Dennis met Rocket, a short-legged Jack Russell terrier.
Dennis Erickson:I came over here to visit the humane society and happened to see Rocket. He was just very energetic and friendly. I told Theresa, the manager here, that I would take Rocket. I’ve always appreciated dogs, and especially well-behaved ones like Rocket. He’s just, he’s so good with people.
Angela Fitzgerald:It wasn’t long before Rocket’s big personality landed him a job at Eastview too.
Dennis Erickson:I took him to the nursing home where I work, and the administrator fell in love with him.
Shari Zoern:Rocket got involved about three years ago. I was on vacation, and when I came back, there were dog treats in my office. I didn’t know about Rocket. I said, “What are these dog treats doing in there?” “Oh, well, they’re for Rocket.” I said, “Well, who’s Rocket?” “Well, Dennis’s dog.” His name is on the door, he’s on the work schedule. One day, the director of nursing came up to me and she said, “I wanna let you know that Rocket is the number-one staff person at this facility. The only complaint I have is once in a while, he’ll nap when he’s at work.”
Angela Fitzgerald:Although Rocket hasn’t had any official therapy dog training, he’s learned his fair share of new tricks.
Dennis Erickson:He sits on the residents’ laps. We’ll deliver mail, and Rocket will help with that.
Bingo Caller:G 48.
Dennis Erickson:Then we have activities that we do with the residents.
Angela Fitzgerald:For many Eastview residents, it’s hard to put into words what Rocket means to them.
Dennis Erickson:Sometimes, people that don’t necessarily, they’re not able to communicate verbally, but they can communicate with facial expressions.
Angela Fitzgerald:Their smiles say it all.
Sharon:He’s just happy all the time, and he brings joy.
Angela Fitzgerald:For Rocket, it’s a new leash on life. And for Dennis, it’s the job of a lifetime.
Dennis Erickson:I enjoy the interaction with the residents. They’ve become like extended family and they all love Rocket, so it’s a win-win for everyone.
Angela Fitzgerald:Now, Dennis is hoping Rocket can help people beyond Eastview by starring in his own children’s book.
Dennis Erickson:This story about him just needs to be told. And I think a children’s book is the way to do it.
Angela Fitzgerald:Dennis conscripted local cartoonist Brian Ponshock to illustrate the book.
Brian Ponshock:I hope that we can get it to reach a lot of people and that the local community can be proud of something that was made right here in town.
Dennis Erickson:The book is gonna be calledRocket: The Superhero Therapy Dog.
Angela Fitzgerald:Whatever happens with the book, Dennis knows that Rocket will always be a hero to everyone he meets.
Dennis Erickson:I have a favorite line of a folk song. It says, “You take the little that you know and you do the best you can, and you save the rest for the quiet faith of man.” He kind of epitomizes that.
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