Adventures of Solaris the Therapy Dog

01/09/2026

A sweet Solaris memory popped up from 1/9/2019. Solaris on a visit early in his career. Enjoy.

01/02/2026

Happy birthday to Sweet Solaris (1/2/2016). If you'd like a memorial card, let me know. The top picture is puppy Solaris and his mentor, Gabe. The next picture was their last trip together to the beach. The next picture is hurricane Matthew, 2016. The next picture is from his first visit to the cancer center in 2019. The next picture is quintessential Solaris in his glory. The next picture is his last visit to the hospital, November 19, 2025. The last picture was from his last trip to the beach with EnSo. The back has all of the lovely pictures people posted with tributes after he passed. The center photo is from 32963 in October. I miss him every single day. Thank you for loving my dog.

12/23/2025

A lovely lady stopped this morning to tell me how much Solaris' visits 6 1/2 years ago meant to her when her husband was sick in the hospital. Solaris is still here in many ways. He touched many people and is in so many hearts. Thank you for the sweet Christmas message, my love. I miss you every day.

12/02/2025

Solaris is home - hip hardware and all. I miss him so much.

He made over 777 therapy dog visits throughout Indian River County. His first visit to Scully Welsh was 1/2/2019 (his birthday). His last visit was 11/10/2025 to CCIRH. He recorded 919 hours in service. He lived 213 days after diagnosis with lymphoma in April. He made 109 visits and went to the beach 30 times. His last meal was a French dip from Bobby's and his last walk with EnSo was 11/13. Many friends came to say goodbye on November 14.

Solaris began his life with Gabe and Lua in 2016. He lost Gabe 11/23/2018 and Lua 9/10/2025. He got EnSo in May 2025.

He was sweet, spicy, saucy, salty and silly. He was the sunshine - complete with solar flares.

He kept Paws to Read going and restarted the therapy dog program at BHC.

He had three hip replacement surgeries and went back to work after each one. We visited private schools and many special events.

Solaris did everything in 3s - hips, coming out of remission. He was a wonder dog. Everyone who knew him loved him.

I'm sure he and Gabe are the rainbow bridge greeters. They were both amazing dogs.

Solaris will be in my heart forever.

11/19/2025

Paw prints courtesy of our lovely friend, Anna. The rainbow one is because we love rainbows. Thank you, beautiful Anna. These are treasures for us. I

11/18/2025

Solaris' last visit to CCIRH was 11/10/2025. His first visit was 1/18/2019. He had almost 7 years of service. He had a wonderful visit.

11/18/2025

Without Hollie, Solaris may not have become a therapy dog. It was because of her encouragement and this program that he did it. I am so thankful for the almost 7 years we spent at the Brackett Library. We changed the lives of so many young people. Reading is magical. Rest east, sweet Solaris.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Solaris, our beloved therapy dog who brought so much comfort, confidence, and joy to young readers through our Paws to Read program. For many years, Solaris made the library a little brighter and helped countless children discover the magic of reading.
We extend our deepest condolences to his devoted handler, Sheri. Thank you for sharing Solaris with our community, his gentle spirit will always be part of our library family.

11/15/2025

I asked Solaris to tell me he was ok last night. He sent me 12:12'am. This morning, he sent me 5:55 am to let me know he's with Gabe. While this brings comfort, my heart is completely broken. The collar has no neck to fit in it. I will miss him forever. Our morning walk was minus one and both EnSo and I felt it.

11/15/2025

Thank you for being part of TeamSoLo.

Today we honor Solaris, a gentle soul who brought light everywhere he went.
Solaris was more than a beloved dog—he was a healer. Through his hospital therapy visits, he offered comfort, warmth, and quiet strength to people who needed it most. With every soft nuzzle, every sit on your feet and every patient moment, he made the world kinder.

At home, Solaris helped raise a little boy with boundless love, teaching him about friendship, responsibility, and unconditional loyalty. He greeted each day with a calm heart and a steady presence, becoming a constant source of peace for his family.

In his final years, he welcomed Enso as a brother, showing him the ropes with the same grace and gentleness he gave everyone. Their bond was a testament to Solaris’s generous spirit.

Solaris was deeply loved, and he loved deeply in return. Though his time here has ended, the warmth he brought stays with us—in the smiles he inspired, the comfort he offered, and the family he helped shape.

Run free, Solaris. Thank you for everything.

of Solaris the Therapy Dog

11/15/2025

Sunrise 1/2/2016
Sunset 11/14/2025

213 days with Lymphoma. Solaris is already missed so much.

11/12/2025

Shark DOG! I wasn't very hungry this morning. In fact, I refused to eat. Luckily, mom went to fresh market and got me pulled rotisserie chicken. I snarfed the entire container in two bites.

11/11/2025

It's not a good day. My lymphoma has progressed into leukemia, too. I'm also anemic. Luckily, Dr. Roof has a plan. Please keep sending prayers.