04/26/2021
Helen Keller and Polly Thomson, seated outside on the grass with German Shepherd dog nearby, circa 1955

Helen Keller loved animals! April 2021 is #NationalPetMonth, and as we post images from the Helen Keller Archive of some of the 16 pet dogs that Helen treasured during her long life, we invite you to submit images of your pets! Tell us how your animal friends have enriched your lives!

In November of 1967, fifth grader Robin Gates wrote to Helen Keller to ask of Helen's dog Lioness and shares how she enjoys reading of Helen's life:

Handwritten on lined paper: 3126 Cold Springs Rd. Baldwinsville, N.Y. Nov. 19, 1967 Dear Miss Keller, I am in the 5th grade. I am 10 years old. I live in a dark blue Cape Cod in Baldwinsville New York. I have read many storys [sic] about you; one of which was in my reading book. I enjoy the story of your life. What kind of dog was Lioness. We have a Cairn Terrior [sic] named Heather. We bought it at Sta Rita Kennels. She is about 4 months old. I must be leaving you now. Love, Robin Gates

3126 Cold Springs Rd.
Baldwinsville, N.Y.
Nov. 19, 1967

Dear Miss Keller,
I am in the 5th grade. I am 10 years old. I live in a dark blue Cape Cod in Baldwinsville New York.

I have read many storys [sic] about you; one of which was in my reading book. I enjoy the story of your life.

What kind of dog was Lioness. We have a Cairn Terrior [sic] named Heather. We bought it at Sta Rita Kennels. She is about 4 months old.

I must be leaving you now.

Love,
Robin Gates

Robin Gates asks of Helen Keller's dog Lioness, shares how she enjoys reading of Helen's life. November 19, 1967

Sadly, due to declining health, Helen was unable to respond directly to Robin. A secretary for her affairs, Rochelle Koopmann did, however, send this reply:

Typewritten: November 27, 1967 Miss Robin Gates 3126 Cold Springs Road Baldwinsville, New York Dear Robin: Thank you for your letter to Miss Helen Keller, I am sorry that Miss Keller is unable to personally reply to your letter, but I hasten to explain that she is eighty-seven years of age, and although in relatively good-health, she has been advised by her doctors to rest most of the time these days. It is not possible, therefore, for her to personally answer the many, many letters she receives and en

Reply from Helen's secretary

November 27, 1967

Miss Robin Gates
3126 Cold Springs Road
Baldwinsville, New York

Dear Robin: Thank you for your letter to Miss Helen Keller, I am sorry that Miss Keller is unable to personally reply to your letter, but I hasten to explain that she is eighty-seven years of age, and although in relatively good-health, she has been advised by her doctors to rest most of the time these days. It is not possible, therefore, for her to personally answer the many, many letters she receives and enjoys from her young friends throughout the world. I am enclosing a very nice photograph of Miss Keller and an informational pamphlet which should answer any questions you have. I hope you will enjoy these. Thank you for your interest and please accept, through me, Miss Keller's warm greetings.

Very sincerely yours,

(Mrs.) Rochelle Koopmann Secretary for Helen Keller Affairs

RK Enc.

Follow #HelenKellerArchive on social media to find out more on Helen Keller's fascinating life. And stay tuned for "Helen Keller and The Case of the Missing Dogs!"

Author AFB Staff
Blog Topics
Helen Keller