Lili Levitas | לילי לויטס

Hi, I'm Lili. I'm American-Israeli and I live in Tel-Aviv. I made aliyah 25 years ago, when I was only 4 years old. While I did integrate into Israeli society, the wavering sense of belonging all these years has impacted me throughout my life. I think of myself as a lifetime Olah. My dog, Quill, was a big part of my journey growing up. When the outside world felt foreign, scary, frustrating or lonely, he always knew just what I needed to feel better. He didn’t care that I was different, or that my emotions were too big for my small body. As I grew, that bond became something I understood more deeply, the unconditional, non-judgmental connection that makes you feel safe enough to breathe more easily. Safe enough to become yourself. And that’s what led me to Dog-Assisted therapy. I found my calling to help people navigate their own worries, difficulties and moments of loneliness. Thanks to Elmo, l can provide the same kind of love that I received, along with the human guidance I always wish I'd had.