Winter’s young friend above is Katrina.  She first met Winter during a family holiday last June.  It seems the two “bonded” at that first meeting.  Since then Katrina has emailed Winter at least once a week.  She says she feels very close to Winter because they both wear prosthetic devices - “soul-mates” is another way Katrina [9 years old] put it.

I can vouch for the fact that as soon as Winter saw Katrina again she seemed to recognize her and came up to Katrina without any prodding from the dolphin caretakers.

A program has been started where people with prosthetic devices and other handicaps can meet with Winter and learn of her story.  This seems to really please Winter as she loves the attention!  One of her biggest pleasures is getting her belly rubbed - and those who come to see her seem to gladly oblige.

Below is another photograph of Katrina, Winter and the dolphin caretakers Abby and Diane.  It takes really special people to exhibit the caring, patience and excellent communication skills needed to execute this program and it also takes a dolphin as special as Winter to help so many others.  Best, Carol