Carl Kaplan and his dog, Buster, are a certified therapy dog team with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and have been a therapy dog team for over 10 years. They have made over 450 visits to schools, universities, hospitals, nursing homes, and even the USS Constitution. As a therapy dog (not to be confused with a service dog), Buster provides comfort, especially for people with special needs, and enjoys being an ambassador to kids who are new to dogs. Studies have shown that petting, and being with, a dog can be very calming, especially when someone is experiencing anxieties, such as in a hospital. Buster is an 11 ½ year-old West Highland White Terrier (Westie for short), who also enjoys hiking, watching TV, and eating, especially hamburgers. Carl and Buster live in Winchester, MA. Carl is a retired engineer, who is also a historical tour guide in Boston, and is an amateur genealogist.