OUR NAMESAKE

The name for Monk Holdings came from a desire to honor our incredible dog, Monk.  Chris was a long-time volunteer at the Rowlett Animal Shelter.  One evening, she brought this loving dog home and asked if we could foster him.  I said “yes” knowing this dog would become a part of our family.  He was named after Adrian Monk for no reason other than he needed a name and that was the first name we discussed.   

Monk was a loving dog and Chris loved volunteer work, so both went thru training for Monk to become a certified therapy dog.  Monk was a regular visitor to Senior Care at Lake Pointe in Rowlett.  It was not unusual to see big smiles from residents who had opportunities to pet and hold Monk.

Monk also connected with children.  He became a Reading Education Assistance Dog (R.E.A.D.).  Monk and Chris would regularly visit an elementary school in Garland ISD.  Some of the second-graders behind their grade level in reading would read to Monk in the library.  It was rewarding and successful for the kids and also for Monk and Chris.  Several kids in the program continued reading during their summer break.  When they returned to school in the fall, some were reading at a 4th grade level.  Chris believed these kids did not feel judged when reading to a dog and it helped their confidence.   One of Chris’s favorite stories was when one of the kids reading to Monk  said “Monk has his eyes closed.  I don't think he's listening?”  Chris quickly responded that Monk was “really concentrating on what he was reading”.  After a quick smile, the kid went back to confidently reading.

Chris regularly noted that it seemed Monk had empathy.  It was as if he could sense our emotions and respond appropriately.  He rarely barked and had incredibly kind eyes.  Monk made our lives better simply by being a part of it.

Later in life, Monk developed cancer.  We found competent and compassionate treatment from a veterinary oncologist with VCA Pet CancerCare. The staff was great.  They said Monk was the best patient they had.  Maybe they told all the families this, but we believed them.

Monk lived over two more years after surgery.  It was blessing.  Even though he had less energy, he was still full of love.  That is why we honored him by naming the company after him.  As a wise person said “Having a dog will bless you with the happiest days of your life, and one of the worst days.”  After a period of grief, we now reflect on the joy Monk brought to our lives.

 Chris and Ken Gilmer

 

OUR COMPANY

Our company has been in the chenille business since 1969. In the earlier years, the company focused on emblems and uniform decoration for sports teams and organizations. Since then, the company has expanded it's offerings.

We now offer quality letter jackets and  premier decoration through our brands - MONK, CCE, and SSR.