Hundreds of ill children enjoy a moment of happiness and delight when a special gift from Pam Dickson and her spectacular German Shepherd is presented. Now, after forty years of helping children and others who are sad and lonely, Pam intends to begin an initiative to ensure that Breezy's Treasure Chests are installed in hospitals across the country.

"From the moment I began taking my dogs to hospitals to cheer up children, over forty years ago, one of my greatest pleasures has been helping them have a better day. Now, with the help of my friends and clients, I see clearly how much it means to a child who is desperately ill, or an adult who is ill and terribly lonely, to receive a book or toy from well wishers they may never meet," Dickson explained. "I love to do this, and it is incredibly important."

Sadly, German Shepherds do not live forty years, so many dogs have partnered with Pam to do this work. Today, her partner is Breezy, a two-year-old who had open heart surgery when he was only four months old and, therefore, according to Pam, can really understand how much it means to be remembered.

Today, there are two of Breezy's Treasure Chests, one at Inova Loudoun Hospital in Lansdowne, Virginia, and one at Childrens National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Pam and her friends and clients keep them well stocked with toys and books and stuffed animals.

"Without my clients and friends and angels like The Fun Shop in Middleburg, Breezy would have no Treasure Chests. Everyone I know or who has heard of our program wants to help, and does help. I cannot express how grateful we all are to them."

Pam began therapy with her shepherd Rocky. Then, when Rocky died, Treasure was her helper, then Treasurer, Jr and now, Breezy. If one is fortunate enough to be one of Pam Dickson's dogs, you have to sign on to help others. But the reward of living at Pam's Fursman Kennels in Middleburg, Virginia, is reward aplenty!

According to Lynn L. Hardesty, LICSW and manager of the Patient and Family Support Program in Hematology-Oncology at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Pam has "taken good care of us and our patients for many years."

"One little girl, diagnosed with cancer, who had had a very bad day, stopped her tears and gave a big smile when twin baby dolls with lovely accessories were offered to her, the nurse wrote."

As always, Pam and Breezy had made the perfect present possible.

"Thanks to you, Pam, and to your supporters, we have many such moments every week," Nurse Hardesty continued.

Now, Pam and Breezy are determined that their Treasure Chests will be in hospitals across the nation. And, they need your help.

If you have, or can obtain, books, toys, stuffed animals, games or other amusements, please let Pam Dickson know. She will ensure that they are sorted, and made ready for their new owners, and she Breezy will make certain they are placed in as many Treasure Chests as they can install. Every toy or gift includes a card with a photo of Breezy on the front and the message, "You have friends in Middleburg who are thinking of you," inside.

Every philanthropist who donates toys and games to Pam and Breezy's initiative also receives a personal thank you note from them.

"Children and adults who are struggling with devastating illness yearn for support and contact with the outside world. Although this is a very little thing in comparison with their illness, it is immensely important and a very big boost to receive a gift when one is terribly low," Pam concluded.

If you can help by making donations, please do so. You may telephone Pam for instructions by calling 540 687 6990.