Search
Close this search box.

Fort Walton Beach nursing assistant’s ‘therapy dog’ photo captures state contest win

The winning image features a resident with a therapy dog during Florida Health Care Association's annual contest highlighting compassionate moments in long-term care facilities.
A resident at Fort Walton Rehabilitation Center embraces therapy dog Barney in the award-winning photograph "Seeing Without Vision," captured by Certified Nursing Assistant Dorothy Conner. The image won first place in the Florida Health Care Association's 2025 Long Term Care Photo Contest, earning the facility a $500 prize. (Photo courtesy of Fort Walton Rehabilitation Center)

A local nursing assistant’s photograph capturing the bond between a resident and therapy dog earned Fort Walton Rehabilitation Center the top prize in a statewide contest.

  • Dorothy Conner, a Certified Nursing Assistant and Activity Assistant at the center, took first place in the Florida Health Care Association’s 2025 Long Term Care Photo Contest with her image titled “Seeing Without Vision.”

“I wanted to capture the joy of Ms. W. holding my dog Barney; she always enjoys their visits. I think her face says it all,” said Conner.

The annual contest, which coincides with National Skilled Nursing Care Week, drew more than 200 entries from care facilities across Florida. This year’s theme, “Inspiring Moments,” aimed to highlight everyday acts of compassion and connection within long-term care centers.

As the first-place winner, Fort Walton Rehabilitation Center received a $500 contribution from FHCA to sponsor a social event for residents and staff. Conner also received a $50 gift card for her submission. 

For more information on the Florida Health Care Association, visit here.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Many years ago (before all of Destin's development) birds used to nest here. They haven't returned until last year and this year when the new Destin park provided a protected...”
Respond
Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: May 29, 2026
“5:28, 6 attempts. Ouch!”
Respond
“We need more details about the attack. Exactly where on Holmes that it happened? What time? Were they local neighborhood dogs or were they strays? What has happened to the...”
Respond
“Easy does it, G! No need to work yourself into a heart attack!”
Respond
Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: May 28, 2026
“0:32, 3 attempts. Incredibly lucky, again!”
Respond
“Resurfacing is great, thank you to the DOT for this activity. Whoever has jurisdiction over the lane and intersection paints used after resurfacing would do well to use high quality...”
Respond
“teach us how to steal from Medicare and Medicaid, Rick Scott, you’re the expert!!”
Respond
“Cara, I am so sad to hear what happened to your father-in-law. I certainly do understand the mix of emotions going on when coming to the decision to sell the...”
Respond
“They managed to avoid the ELEPHANT in the room. The inadequacies of our evacuation plan and infrastructure. If Michael had zigged we would likely have had a significant loss of...”
Respond
“The American Dunes Foundation is the Folds of Honor. The foundation is named after their flagship course property where the Folds of Honor was founded.”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.