A friend to the end

Comfort Dog Abraham develops special connection
​with 101-year-old World War II veteran.

In his final years, 101-year-old Marianno Sarro and Comfort Dog Abraham developed a special bond.

On weekly visits to Central Island Healthcare rehabilitation center, Abraham (Trinity – Hicksville, NY) and handler Linda Hoeberlein never missed an opportunity to visit the World War II veteran and listen to accounts of his service in the U.S. Navy.

On Mr. Sarro’s 100th birthday in 2025 (pictured), Abraham was there, offering his golden fur for Marianno to pet while he sat up in his wheelchair with a toothy smile. Hoeberlein was right beside to offer congratulations. 

Last month when Mr. Sarro passed away with his family by his side, Abraham and Hoeberlein were right outside the door, ready to offer comfort as his loved ones said goodbye.

Abraham’s calm, faithful presence is a reminder of the encouragement, compassion, and support that LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs can bring to one individual or many. 

For Mr. Sarro, Abraham and Hoeberlein’s visits were something to look forward to every week. They brought joy and friendship. They enjoyed conversation and prayer. Just one means of sharing the mercy, comfort, compassion, and proclamation of Jesus.

His family mailed a letter to Hoeberlein conveying their heartfelt appreciation for Abraham’s steady companionship:

“I have tears in my eyes thinking of all the joy you brought to our Dad with each visit. The fact that you were there the day he passed and then made the effort to come and honor him at his service was beyond thoughtful and compassionate. ... Dad used to tell us of each visit he had from you, and you could hear the adoration in his voice. It gave us so much comfort as we knew how much love he had for pets, but especially pups. It was a pleasure to meet you and know and feel the comfort you gave him. I don’t have the words to express the gratitude we feel from your caring deeds. May God bless you and Abraham as you continue to do God’s work. As they say, sometimes angels don’t have wings — but whiskers.”

Born May 24, 1925, Mr. Sarro, known as “Mud,” grew up in Oyster Bay, NY, with three brothers and three sisters, all of whom passed away before him. He graduated from Oyster Bay High School and inducted into the U.S. Navy. Later, he met and married Catherin Yannucci. They were married 70 years, and together, they had four sons: Louis, Ronald, Gary, and James. They also had six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. 

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