NATIONAL THERAPY ANIMAL DAY

By Monday, April 30, 2018 10 No tags Permalink

April 30th was National Therapy Animal Day…

NATIONAL THERAPY ANIMAL DAY

It’s sole purpose is to –

recognize all of the exceptional therapy animals who partner with their human companions to bring comfort and healing to those in need. Source: Pet Partners

After learning about this special day, Harley reached out to his BHF (Best Human Friend) the Honorable John Tecklenburg (Mayor of Charleston) requesting a proclamation be read honoring the MUSC Pet Therapy Program he participates in.

Harley sent his email.

The Mayor responded.

Harley and Jaxson became fast Doodle buddies with the Mayor in 2016 when they solicited his help. They needed a PSA during the Go Pet Friendly March Madness Contest to make Charleston the “Pet Friendliness City in America”

NATIONAL THERAPY ANIMAL DAY

A STARBUCKS START –

Seemed to me on a day with “National” observance, we should do something special for our therapy animals and their human companions. So for us, it began with a day at Starbucks…

NATIONAL THERAPY ANIMAL DAY

THERAPY DOGS ON THE STEPS –

It was wonderful to see so many therapy dogs from the hospital come out to raise awareness to a growing community of four legged therapists. We filled the stairs of City Hall with red shirts, fur and tails…

NATIONAL THERAPY ANIMAL DAY

Even though Jaxson has passed his certification, I cannot legally handle two dogs at the same time, so he stayed off to the side with Lee..

NATIONAL THERAPY ANIMAL DAY

We flanked the steps of City Hall while the Mayor read the Proclamation…

 

It was quite a proud moment…

JAXSON’S THERAPY WORK –

I should be finished with Jaxson’s observations by mid-May. Been searching for the right fit for my Demon Doodle to share his tail wagging happiness. Right now I am giving a serious lean to physical therapy/rehab. A place where he can help motivate movement in both children and adults.

Super excited to have two Doods helping others…

NATIONAL THERAPY ANIMAL DAY

In the meantime, Jaxson still seeks out humans to love on. This is Melissa, my co-worker. She’s known Harley for a few years now, but only knew Jaxson from this blog. She made the mistake of kneeling down and opening her arms to him. So Doodle loving was what she got back – and lot’s of it!!!!….

NATIONAL THERAPY ANIMAL DAY

It was a Doodle*tastic day!

Many thanks to therapy animals around the world. You will never know how much you impact those you spend time with. Or do you?…

NATIONAL THERAPY ANIMAL DAY

The best therapists have fur and four legs ❤

10 Comments
  • Dashlilly
    April 30, 2018

    Cathy this is awesome!! So glad Harley got that email in to the Mayor! Congratulations on such great work. Can’t wait to see where Jaxson goes!!

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 4, 2018

      Hi Deirdre –

      Jaxson is super comical and energetic, I would love for him to go into physical therapy. His aura would be perfect for the patients. Have a great weekend – hugs to Dash & Lilly 🙂

  • Emma
    May 1, 2018

    The animal communicator said Madison wants to be a therapy dog, but Mom isn’t interested and has not time anyway. We will see what happens with that down the road. Enjoy your boys and doing therapy. Everyone needs to do what they and their dogs love to do.

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 4, 2018

      Anything is possible Emma, who knows, Jaxson may someday get into nose work. When you’re a pet parent, you learn “anything’s possible!” Have a great weekend 🙂

  • Monika & Sam
    May 1, 2018

    Kudos to you and Harley for your volunteer work. How wonderful the mayor and the city recognized all of your gang’s contribution to healing with tag wags.

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 4, 2018

      It was a memorable experience. Our Mayor is super supportive when it comes to the pet therapy program.

  • Jennifer Teston
    May 1, 2018

    So exciting! LOVE this. I was beyond excited with a Harley visit in the PPA the other day!!

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 1, 2018

      Hi Jennifer – We’ll be back to visit again real soon!

  • JoAnn stancer
    May 7, 2018

    Thank you forbidden the therapy work that you do!

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 9, 2018

      Hey JoAnn, how are you doing? Loving all those gorgeous puppies I see. Take care….