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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.

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