Lazar spent*? years
brightening the lives
of seniors.

Lynne Golodner

Special to the Jewish News

L

azar, the Labrador-mix dog who lived at the
Fleischman Residence/Blumberg Plaza, died Oct.
27, at age 11.
Supported by the Jewish Senior Life Robert and Marge
Alpern Life Enhancement Program, Lazar was the third
dog to live at the facility, according to Jackie Smith, the
program's director. He came to JSL fully trained as a 1-year-
old via the Humane Society. As a puppy, Lazar was rescued
from a laboratory by a dedicated group of older adults in
northern Michigan.
"A dog adds years to people's lives," says Rochelle Upfal,
CEO of Jewish Senior Life. "They give love unconditionally,
resulting in the most unexpected smiles and joy. Daily, I
saw the happy looks on the faces of our residents, family
members and staff when they encountered Lazar.
"He will be missed by all of us but remembered for the
love he brought to everyone at the Fleischman Residence/
Blumberg Plaza;' says Upfal.
"Lazar was an undemanding doe says Smith. "He was
a great presence — mellow, very loving and sweet. He was
a very smart dog. There were people who were very con-

JNCONTENTS

nected to him, and he would sit with them and they would
just love him up. It was definitely a love exchange, a true
give-and-take."
Research shows that the presence of a loving pet boosts the
mental and physical health of older adults. Pets are in more
than 60 percent of American homes. Their unconditional love
and acceptance as well as attention can help diminish societal
problems like inactivity and obesity, researchers report.
"Several years ago, Marge and Robert Alpern estab-
lished the Alpern Life Enhancement Program to enrich
our residences with plant, animal and fish life says Carol
Rosenberg, director of the Jewish Senior Life Foundation.
"The Alperns firmly believed that a residence dog was a
wonderful experience for older adults.
"Lazar was truly the most obedient, loyal and kind dog
toward our residents, staff and guests," Rosenberg says. "So
touched by his service and warmth, author Myrna Shanker
wrote a children's book, Lazar the Good Deed Dog, which
can be purchased for $10. Proceeds from the sales of this
book benefit the older adults we serve:" [Contact Beth
Tryon at (248) 661-1836.]
Adds Rosenberg, "While we will never be able to replace
Lazar, a search for a new dog is under way — but his mem-
ory will live on forever."

❑

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Shabbat Lights

Health. A fresh start.
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Shabbat: Friday, Nov. 9, 4:57 p.m.
Shabbat Ends: Saturday, Nov.10, 5:59 p.m.

Hebrew Free Loan gives interest-
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donations which continually
recycle to others, generating
many times the original value
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A few years ago, Carole Shaw
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and was so struck by the Russian
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Carole became an advocate for Mila
and Arkady, helping them adjust to life
here, and to pursue careers. When
they wanted to become U.S. citizens,
Carole helped there too.
"I just thought this was tikkun olam,
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life, and I was glad to do it," Carole
said. "Everyone should try to improve
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Mila and Arkady's young family,
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