This week we heard from Marla Wademan who started Healing Heart Therapy Dogs with Gale Lothrop 20 years ago!  It's a non-profit volunteer organization that brings dogs into public settings as a form of therapy for them.  They take them to hospitals, businesses, retirement and nursinng homes, mourning hope, college campuses, veterans hospitals, and even libraries so kids can read to the dogs.  There is no charge to bring the dogs, but the program does rely on donations and annual dues from members to stay running so places can donate if they'd like.  

 

To become a therapy dog, they have to be at least 1 year old, have a good temperament, meet with someone from HHTD, have a "Canine Good Citizen Title", take classes and pass a test, and have three supervised visits.  Dogs only work 2 hours at a time so they don't get tired or overwhelmed.  Marla brought her dog Millie who was very calm.  She also shared dogs she's had in the past, like her first dog Kobie.  Healing Hearts helps in so many ways and I'm grateful there's an organization like this one in the community.  You can visit their website http://healinghearttherapydogs.org, email them at healinghearttd@gmail.com, or call (402) 450-1081.

 

  Marla Wademan with her dog, Millie

 

Upcoming events include:

A sign up sheet will be going around at the upcoming meetings for the volunteer events.  Please look at your schedule, thanks, all!