11/1/2009 9:31:00 PM
Tennille, 'Smoky' bring new smiles; hospital
patients get visits from pop music icon, her dog
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Heidi Dahms Foster/Courtesy photo
Toni Tennille poses with her Australian Shepherd therapy dog, "Smoky." The duo have been paying visits to Yavapai Regional Medical Center patients. |
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Heidi Dahms Foster/Courtesy photo
Les and Sandy Hall of Chino Valley visit "Smoky" and Toni in the lobby of Yavapai Regional Medical Center West.
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By HEIDI DAHMS FOSTER
Special to the Courier
When patients at the Yavapai Regional Medical Center in Prescott receive a visit from a big, friendly Australian Shepherd therapy dog, they don't often notice that on the other end of the lead is '70s pop music icon Toni Tennille.
Singer Tennille and her husband, keyboard artist Daryl Dragon, together made up the Grammy-winning duo Captain and Tennille, earning five gold albums, six gold singles, two platinum albums and one platinum single.
At the hospital however, it's the happy personality and soft, shiny coat of "Smoky" that draws people's attention when the two enter the room. Then, Tennille said, about one out of eight patients say, "You look familiar!" They make the connection when they look at Tennille's ID badge.
The couple lived in a home they loved in rural Northern Nevada, but six-to-eight feet of snow each winter got a little overwhelming. Friends told them about Prescott.
"We said, 'Where's Prescott?'" Tennille said.
The two visited for a weekend, and the next weekend bought a lot in a Williamson Valley subdivision, which they liked for its western, outdoors flavor.
The two had fallen in love with Prescott, but they also loved the home that Dragon had designed in Nevada. They solved the problem by building the same plan, with a few changes.
"It was weird when we walked in," Tennille said of the house when it was finished. "It's even sited the same way now. It's like the same house with different scenery."
The couple lived in the Kingswood subdivision for a year while waiting for the house to be completed. While she was walking her two Aussies one day, Tennille met Dale Johns, another Aussie lover. Johns introduced Tennille to Kathy Bryan, who is one of the team leaders of the PAWS (Pets are Warm Support) program at YRMC. The two became fast friends, supporting each other through the loss of Tennille's dog "Hubble" and Bryan's dog "Moon" to cancer. Moon was a nationally ranked champion and therapy dog legendary to patients and staff at YRMC.
Tennille met Smoky, one of Moon's sons, at Bryan's house when he was 2 weeks old. When Smoky turned one, and Tennille and Dragon's home was ready, Bryan agreed to let them take Smoky home.
The pup was a very mellow, sociable dog that was perfect for the PAWS therapy program. Tennille and Smoky tested for PAWS, and earned a "complex" rating, which means the team is allowed into intensive care and IV therapy areas of the hospital.
Tennille's sister and her husband are hospice nurses, and Tennille said she always has wanted to volunteer in a hospital. Her career would never allow the time, until now. Every Thursday, patients can see the tall, smiling singer and the eager Smoky in the halls of YRMC. And Smoky has his own way of winning over his audience.
"He's a leaner," said Tennille. "If a patient is in a chair, he'll go over and lean in real cozy and nice."
Tennille said she enjoys seeing the change in patients when she brings her dog in for a visit.
"When Smoky comes in, the patient might be reserved, or glum. But then the whole thing changes. They can forget that they are in the hospital for a few minutes. For that short period of time you've made a difference," she said.
Perhaps nowhere else is that more apparent than in ICU, she added. "People feel like, if a dog can come in, it's not as scary. A dog is so normal."
What's ahead for the Captain and Tennille?
Parkinson's disease has slowed his fingers at the keyboard, but Daryl Dragon loves spending time with Smoky, who bestows plenty of TLC and "leaning" at home. Tennille said Dragon, to whom she has been married for more than 30 years, is doing well, and enjoys walking with the neighborhood pack of dogs and good friends who meet each day for a 45-minute trek.
Tennille has performed in several events, including a sold-out benefit concert at the 2009 Prescott Arizona Jazz Summit in August.
In an entry on her blog, Toni's Take, in August, Tennille wrote of the couple's scaled down life in Prescott, "...I have never had more fun in my life... have never laughed so much or enjoyed life more."
Now, along with Smoky, she's spreading that fun and a big dose of compassion to patients at YRMC.
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Posted: Saturday, May 08, 2010
Article comment by:
Kelly Phipps
This just shows what a wonderful, thoughtful person Toni is. She does what she was meant to do and that is to make people happy, either through her music or through the help of Smoky. I will always truly admire her and wish her and Daryl (and Smoky!) all the best. God Bless them all.
Posted: Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Article comment by:
Larry Brooks
Awesome I love what Toni is doing with the hospital program she is beautiful inside and out and it's great she is giving so much to her community. She has been an avid dog lover for years and nearly two years ago when my Missy died she sent me a sweet e-mail I will forever cherish.
Posted: Monday, April 05, 2010
Article comment by:
Ann RNfromOakhurstCA
I have been a C&T fan since 1976 and continue to listen each day to their beautiful music. I am so thankful and proud of the community service with Smoky~I am a 28yr Registered Nurse and Know all the joy Smoky AND TT are bringing to all those patients!! Thank you for All the ways you Give Back w/ the awesome talent you & Daryl have been blessed with!! You will be remembered forever!!! Love Ann from Oakhurst, CA.
Posted: Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Article comment by:
This Picture Says~
IT ALL! So blessed to have you both a part of our community. You are an inspiration to many. Love the photo. Love your music from the heart.
Posted: Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Article comment by:
Rick Juliano
Life long fan of C&T. Toni's my first crush.....ok, never got over that one!
Her light shines from within. I'm not surprised, like any Angel, she found her way caring for others.
Posted: Friday, February 26, 2010
Article comment by:
Ralph Simms
We are so fortunate to have you part of our community . . . . . .
Posted: Friday, February 26, 2010
Article comment by:
Bevelrey Bartz
What a joy you have brought to so many for so long. Your music brings out happy in me. I listen to your music nearly every day. Your life togeher and the love you share with so many is a blessing. I just have one question-why did you give Dr. Kevin Leman a 3 piece suit? I nearly slipped a stirrup when I heard him telling about putting it on and bellowing his mating call to Sande. May you live long and happy lives, for you and Daryl are truely treasures.
God bless you both.
Posted: Friday, January 01, 2010
Article comment by:
Kevin Rickey
I have been a huge fan of C&T, Daryl and Toni have so much class - it is not surprising that they generously give to the community they live in. They're giving us all a good example to libe by. Three Cheers for Smokey, Toni and Daryl.
Posted: Saturday, December 26, 2009
Article comment by:
Paula Esposito
For a long time it was my biggest dream to meet Toni. And I finally did at the Jazz Festival this past year. She's a very sweet and gentle woman and I love her so much. Her music will always make me happy!! I love you Toni!!
Posted: Thursday, December 10, 2009
Article comment by:
Jerry Marcolina
Toni still looks great after all these years. I see she is staying active, and several venues have found their way to Toni as I see she will be performing. I have also followed Toni and Daryl's career for over 30 years. They chose a great place to retire.
Posted: Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Article comment by:
russ
MY IDOLS!!! what can i say they are a big part of my life. they have inspred me so much musically i can't even explain. they are #1 on my musical heroes list.I am about to turn 40 and i know now that life is what you make it. we have to live our lives not exist- what toni is doing is living her life- by helping others. c and t have always been that way. i have followed them through their whole career and am always excited to see something new about them. just like i was when i waited for their fan club letter in the mail when i was a kid. oh the memories of running down to the mail box every morning hoping to find the letter myself. i still have them all in a box under y old bed at my parents house. i love you guys. you have given us such wonderful musical memories and i hope you both stay healthy and strong for many many more years!!! - russ frm chicago!!
Posted: Sunday, November 29, 2009
Article comment by:
Curious Folk
Nice to meet Toni's little hero Smoky here in cyberspace. Heard lots of great things about her adorable Ozzy Shepherd. What a sensational pup, assisting cheering patients when they need it most. My own special friend, my little mutt, Scooter, always licks my tears away as well. My health isn't doing too well either. A friend shared this article with me and thanks, it was quite an interesting read. -Just me, Curious Folk, as I've been called, L. from Santa Monica
Posted: Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Article comment by:
Kim of Boston
What a terrific story. I was a megafan of C&T in the 70s (I was 11 when their variety series aired, and avidly watched every episode); and it's wonderful to hear of the terrific things these lovely folks are doing in their new home. They may not have had chart-toppers for some time now, but Daryl Dragon and Toni Tennille still ROCK!
Posted: Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Article comment by:
Darren Quello
It doesn't surprise me that Toni is so dedicated to making her appearance at the hospital. Toni is a down to earth lady and as a famous singer, I have followed her career for many years, and she has always taken time out after a show for me to get an autograph and photo taken with her (many times). Her kindness is something I will always remember and treasure. Her music is a BIG part of my life. Prescott is lucky to have such a gracious lady in their community!!! My best to Toni & Daryl & Smoky...from, Darren Quello
Posted: Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Article comment by:
Ms. W
Welcome to Prescott!!! Thank you for helping to make it an even better place. I was born in '64 and Captain & Tenille were part of my youth - but please explain Muskrat Love? Just kidding loved your music, still do.
Posted: Monday, November 02, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
Here is the article again. Tell Marc enjoy.
Dad
Posted: Monday, November 02, 2009
Article comment by:
ABC
My wife met Toni years ago and said she was a sweet lady back then and she still is. Thank you Toni for all you do for our community.
Posted: Monday, November 02, 2009
Article comment by:
Just another local
Such a treasure to our community!! Thank you Smoky and Tenille!!
Posted: Monday, November 02, 2009
Article comment by:
Carol & Kerstyn
We were Toni and Daryl's neighbors in Northern Nevada. We miss them! Our loss is your gain.
Posted: Monday, November 02, 2009
Article comment by:
steve vargas
tennille is still keep everything together with love. what a lady,no credit to smoky, but tennilles smile can light any room
Posted: Monday, November 02, 2009
Article comment by:
DA
I guess celebrities who REALLY want to help others don't need cameras, big names or huge audiences to do good works. Thanks, Toni.
Posted: Monday, November 02, 2009
Article comment by:
Prescott Mama
I had the pleasure of meeting these two lovely people and instantaneously recognized them even though I was only a preschooler when they were huge in the 70's. I did not acknowledge that I recognized them, because it would of been...well, weird. It was not a "celebrity function." They were just out in the community. They are so down to earth, sweet and friendly. I had the pleasure to run into another therapy dog when I was visiting my Mom at YRMC, and the gal on the other end of the leash was also awesome and caring. I hope to run into Smokey one day as well. I'm glad we have such wonderful people, celebrity and non celebrity, helping to bring a little joy into what is almost always a sad and lonely place to be.
Posted: Monday, November 02, 2009
Article comment by:
Tom Steele
Fantastic story, Thanks to Heidi Foster and Toni Tennille and of course Smoky. The story took me away from the stumbling politics of Prescott and that is good.
Posted: Monday, November 02, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
that is just an amazing story. i may have been a young one in the 70's ( was born in 69) but i knew every word to "love will keep us together". i love captain and tenille! so glad that they are still able to make people smile after "retirement". amazing!
love you toni!!!
Posted: Monday, November 02, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
Thank you for this uplifting story about Tennille and Smoky's volunteer work. I am a Hospice nurse and see the joy and comfort these pets bring to patients. The Northern Arizona VA Medical Center in Prescott has a very active volunteer pet program as well. God Bless our volunteers.
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