Who are Jimmy and Rita?
Photo Shoot with Eva Varro
Jimmy Stewart (left) and Rita Hayworth (right) are Dr. Stark's therapy dogs. They are half-brother and sister due to having the same father. Jimmy and Rita were born six years ago in December. The following February, Dr. Stark was able to bring them into her home and the two have been raised and trained to be with children ever since.
Jimmy's job in life is lying on the couch with kids. He crawls up on laps and snuggles during therapy sessions because he is sensitive and wants everyone in the office to get along. Jimmy also loves television. If couples argue on TV, Jimmy gets close to the screen and begins his calming behaviors (eyes blinking, licking of nose, panting and nose nudging--Jimmy's favorite!) as he is used to doing in Dr. Stark's office with the divorced couples who come to counseling. Rita loves active kids and she is especially fond of kissing ears. One of Rita's favorite activities is following Dr. Stark around and watch her even as she puts on makeup! The two of them spend a weekend with their trainer at least twice a year for boot camp, to make sure that they are up on their office manners.
Rita's favorite place is by the door, where she can greet people. Hence, her nickname Rita-the-Greeta!
Both Jimmy and Rita love it when kids come in the office and use the puppet theater to give puppet shows! The kids who come to Dr. Stark for therapy have helped her train the dogs by learning their commands and taking turns directing the dogs to do certain commands. Over the years, Dr. Stark has received many letters and pictures from kids and teens about how much the dogs helped simply by being there. In fact, a child once asked Dr. Stark if Jimmy and Rita's parents have had a divorce, since both dogs have the same dad...
Jimmy and Rita's Story
Jimmy loves television! If couples argue on TV, Jimmy gets close to the screen and begins his calming behaviors.
Initially, Dr. Stark was only supposed to have Rita as part of her practice with children. However, when she went to the breeder to select Rita from a box of puppies, the breeder also brought out Jimmy to show Dr. Stark how big the dog was. Jimmy came over to Dr. Stark and laid down right next to her. She then noticed how Jimmy behaved very similarly to her previous dog who had died. When it also turned out that Jimmy was born on the same day that Dr. Stark's previous dog had passed away, Dr. Stark knew that she couldn't leave without Jimmy.
And so four weeks later, Jimmy and Rita came home to live with Dr. Stark. Ever since, the two of them have always been together and they get along famously. Moreover, Jimmy has been known for sleeping with his arms around Rita at night...
Rita is the first dog to the door both at home and in the office. At the office, Rita likes to be up front closer to the door. She wants to be the first to greet whomever comes in, which is why Dr. Stark likes to call her "Rita-the-Greeta" sometimes. She is also very equal and makes sure that everyone gets a kiss and no one gets left out. Rita is very friendly and sometimes her brother Jimmy has to remind her about strangers by barking until she moves away from the stranger and stands next to him.
