Wilt found the mention online and we're in touch after all the years.
Bennet spent almost four decades in service to the oldsters of New Jersey, as an administrator at nursing homes and as a provider of therapy dogs.
As Wilt Bennet writes (scroll down the linked page for the entire article):
...for those residents who grew up with dogs, and cats for that matter, these visits give them a chance to pet some soft fur, get a sloppy kiss, and most importantly reminisce about companion animals that they loved and cared for long ago. We’ve all heard the stories about nursing home residents who have been uncommunicative for months and that visit with a well-mannered dog (and the person on the leash) opens up that communication process and changes the depressed person’s view on life. Well, those stories are true. The changes for the better and positive outcomes that I have personally witnessed are quite remarkable. No miracles, mind you, but a bright smile, a fond remembrance and an event to look forward to make a huge impact on one’s outlook on life.
Good to know that we both turned out to be dog guys, and that Wilt put his avocation to great and marvelous use.
I echo the last words of his article: And, when I’m old, sick and crotchety, somebody better bring a dog to visit me!
