USA THERAPY DOGS, INC. Serving with Compassion and Pride

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Curtis Robinson
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If you can donate any of these much needed items please call one of the following: Diane at 810-245- 2459, Ann at 810-240-5024,

Light weight banquette tables 2-8 foot 1 - card table only light weight 4 light weight canvas tailgating type fold up chairs

Greg and Shawn Palmer This is Tucker and Teddy they have been therapy dogs for 4 years and really enjoy their job!

who absolutely loves the boys and kinda spoils them.

1 USA THERAPY DOGS, INC. Serving with Compassion and Pride GETTING TO KNOW OUR MEMBERS WISH LIST The following items are need for USA TD. If you can donate any of these much needed items please call one of the following: Diane at , Ann at , Jarod Boyles We can arrange for pick up. Light weight banquette tables 2-8 foot 1 - card table only light weight 4 light weight canvas tailgating type fold up chairs Overhead projector to attach to lap top computer. Greg and Shawn Palmer This is Tucker and Teddy they have been therapy dogs for 4 years and really enjoy their job!! They enjoy visiting Genesys Hospital every Monday night they have nurses there that look for them every week this is Loretta who absolutely loves the boys and kinda spoils them. We visit a few different areas of the hospital which gives the boys a variety of people to visit. Greg and I have helped with training since the start of USA Therapy Dogs in Table clothes Red, White or Blue to fit 6 ft. rectangular banquette tables Generator - quiet running low to medium output Shelving made from wire for storage unit Lap Top Computer or external hard drive THANK YOU Brenda Begley donated two 6 tables to USA TD. Thank You Brenda!! Teddy Palmer Tucker Palmer 1

NEEDED TREASURER FOR USA THERAPY DOGS NEEDED FUNDRAISER COORDINATOR FOR USA THERAPY DOGS USA THERAPY DOGS will be saying goodbye to Suzanne & Tony Hock and Tanq.

Suzanne has done a wonderful job organizing and coordinating fundraisers and keeping the financial records in order.

2 NEEDED TREASURER FOR USA THERAPY DOGS NEEDED FUNDRAISER COORDINATOR FOR USA THERAPY DOGS USA THERAPY DOGS will be saying goodbye to Suzanne & Tony Hock and Tanq. Tony has accepted a job out of state and will be moving before the end of the year. Suzanne has been USA TD Fundraiser Coordinator and Treasurer since August Suzanne has done a wonderful job organizing and coordinating fundraisers and keeping the financial records in order. Suzanne has also volunteered her time as an assistant trainer for the last two classes. She has been an asset to the USA TD organization and will be greatly missed. Tony, Suzanne and their therapy dog, Tanq have visited many places and have been great contributors since becoming members in November They will be greatly missed. We wish them the best in their future endeavors. Suzanne will stay on until the end of the present class which ends in mid November. If anyone is interested in volunteering their time and talents as USA TD Fundraiser Coordinator or Treasurer please contact, Diane Noblett, at diane.noblett@yahoo.com or Knowledge of QUICKBOOKS will be necessary for the treasurer position. Suzanne has set up the QUICKBOOKS software and is ready and willing to train anyone that is interested in the position. She will need to do this before middle of November. FREE TO A GOOD HOME Daphne is a two year old Chiweenie, she is housebroken, spayed, up to date on all her shots and does not have any health issues. She weights nine pounds and will not get any bigger. She is very playful and loves being around other dogs and cats. She has not had much exposure to children, mostly adults, but I am sure she would be a fine little playmate to a child. She is a great little companion. Her owner, Mary Jezdimir, has owned Daphne for just over a year. When Mary moved into temporary housing while waiting for her apartment to be available Daphne was living at the home, the landlord told her the former owners left Daphne. The landlord also told Mary that the dog was going to go to the dog pound. Mary s heart was torn and decided to keep her. So Daphne and Mary became buddies, Daphne never left Mary s side and became a great comfort and companion to her. Well, Mary finally was able to move into her apartment a year + later. Unfortunately, Mary can not keep Daphne because she has an advanced type of Multiple Sclerosis and is unable to bring Daphne down to the dog-run 3 times a day to go potty and get fresh air. So with much agony Mary contacted me knowing I am involved with USA Therapy Dogs and asked me to see if I could find someone who will love her and take care of her. Mary is my sister and I know how hard this is on her to give Daphne away. Daphne and Mary live in St. Clair Shores at this time. Please call me, Diane Noblett if you would like more information and want to consider taking Daphne into your home. Also, I know Daphne and am positive she would make a great therapy dog. If someone would like to adopt her and go through USA Therapy Dogs program to become a therapy dog I will cover the $165 to become a USA Therapy Dog. Diane Noblett or diane.noblett@yahoo.com 2

GETTING TO KNOW OUR MEMBERS Continued Irene Langkabel & Chaz Chaz and I graduated from USA Therapy Dogs, Inc. in May2013. Chaz is a three year old golden-doodle.

I once worked at a senior home when I was 20 years old and always loved to converse with people.

3 GETTING TO KNOW OUR MEMBERS Continued Irene Langkabel & Chaz Chaz and I graduated from USA Therapy Dogs, Inc. in May2013. Chaz is a three year old golden-doodle. My husband and I are owners of a fast-food chicken restaurant in Plymouth, MI. I decided to venture in therapy dog instruction when Chaz was doing so well in his obedience classes. I once worked at a senior home when I was 20 years old and always loved to converse with people. I find that people will converse more openly when there is an animal there because it makes them feel unconditionally loved. I Irene & Chaz have found this to be so true in the past few months. Chaz and I visit St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, St. Mary s Hospital in Livonia and our Highland Township Library whenever they need a dog listener for the children readers. If I had to pick which place we like to more-so that the other...couldn t! All are extremely rewarding in there own way. Sometimes we will spend the entire two hours on just one floor in the hospital because the patients can t stop petting Chaz and I love to talk. The library is also a favorite because I have always loved children and am a great advocate of children s books. I continue to collect them waiting to be able to read to my grandchildren one day. Chaz and I also travel to Grand Rapids to visit my daughter once a month. While we are there we make a visit to St. Mary s Trinity Health, where my daughter is a nurse, we also spend time visiting with the cancer patients. To put it simply.we LOVE THIS WORK!!!! We may be tired after our visits but the inside feeling it gives us both is unexplainable in comparison.. THANK YOU USA THERAPY DOGS!! Donna LaVere & Ginger My husband and I have had dogs all our married lives but to say Ginger is just another dog in a long line is misleading. Five years ago, she was found in the traffic of Bristol Rd. with no collar or leash. The attempt to find her owner was unsuccessful so Ginger joined our other two rescued dogs in the family. After I retired I was anxious to start training with her. Now, the therapy dog visits we make (to read with students at two schools, a retirement home, and a hospital) let me know she is perfectly suited to her therapy dog role. 3

CHRIS HOPE SHARING HER EXPERIENCE WITH BRODY Although Brody is not working as a therapy dog because he was stolen from our home in January, I wanted to take a minute to share a few things that have

4 CHRIS HOPE SHARING HER EXPERIENCE WITH BRODY Although Brody is not working as a therapy dog because he was stolen from our home in January, I wanted to take a minute to share a few things that have happened during therapy that touched my heart. Recently someone asked what therapy dogs do and what it takes to become a therapy team. After explaining the requirements, cost and training they exclaimed what a lot of work it is just to volunteer your time. I explained the safety and insurance aspect of it and then described a few instances that really touched me. I remembered a time when I was sitting with two fourth graders. They were reading aloud to Brody as he laid on the floor happily panting and smiling. One of the children was developmental behind in reading and struggled every time I listened to him read. He was having a terrible time sputtering and stuttering through several pages and became very frustrated. I sat there thinking how horrible it must be for this poor boy. Brody, I think, read my mind. He reached his big paw out and carefully set it on the boys leg. The boy took a deep breath in response and continued reading very clearly now. It was as if Brody was telling him, "It's ok. We can do this together." I saw what therapy of this type can do that day, it touched me in a way that brought tears to my eyes. I also took Brody weekly to several autistic classrooms. It was very interesting to me how he worked with each student individually but still in a group. He worked with 8 students who all required different help. The needs in each room were all over the place. He worked with tactile and sensory issues. He had several students read to him. Communication and social skills were a big lesson. Sometime learning to play, care and just show love for him could be a lesson. His impact on those eight very special students was huge. They knew it, their parents knew it and I felt it. His place in their hearts was so special that when he went missing they made posters and helped spread the word of his situation. After telling these stories to the person questioning me about Therapy work we were both in tears. I miss him terribly! I miss the kids I worked with and the joy of helping each one of them develop. My hope is he will return to us one day soon and we can continue this amazing journey we started together. In the mean time I send my therapy friends good wishes and hope you too are sharing your little moments of joy with others. Please take a moment to visit and like Brody's facebook page. Share it with your friends and family, you may be the link to getting my little bear home to me. Chris Hope BRODY 4

Teddy working at a Veterans Event at Hodges University in Naples, FL.

Teddy often is seen at the pharmacy in Naples where his mom is the director of marketing.

He works with individuals, with large groups and makes special appearances at local events.

SHERRILL NATZKE & TEDDY Teddy often is requested to show up at events for veterans. He's always a big hit!

Teddy loves getting in the drivers seat in the army jeeps :-) Most nights Teddy can be found at the beach watching the sunset.

Teddy has even swam with wild dolphins that showed up one night.

5 Teddy working at a Veterans Event at Hodges University in Naples, FL. Teddy is on his way to several senior living communities on what's famously known as "Teddy Tuesdays". Teddy often is seen at the pharmacy in Naples where his mom is the director of marketing. However, Tuesdays are dedicated to Teddy making several requested appearances throughout Naples. He works with individuals, with large groups and makes special appearances at local events. He spends an average of 20 hours a month making his rounds at group homes, ribbon cuttings, veterans events and making special appearances. SHERRILL NATZKE & TEDDY Teddy often is requested to show up at events for veterans. He's always a big hit! Other service and therapy dogs are often show up too. Teddy loves getting in the drivers seat in the army jeeps :-) Most nights Teddy can be found at the beach watching the sunset. In true USA Therapy Dog form though, he works the crowd with his charm as he prances up and down the beach, often taking a dip in the ocean. Teddy has even swam with wild dolphins that showed up one night. Teddy lives a pretty good life and truly loves the service he provides to others. Teddy visits Mrs. Harding every Tuesday along with several other ladies at the beautiful senior living community she now lives in. She had a beautiful home on the beach before she was moved into this facility. Mrs. Harding and Teddy are great friends! They love to walk side-by-side as we stroll the building and the grounds. She always calls Teddy her "beautiful boy". Teddy gives each of his patients a personalized autographed 5x7 that they usually keep next to their bed. One of his ladies said she keeps it beside her TV so she can stare at Teddy all the time. 5

6 MARY MORAN & HANNAH My name is Mary and my "girl" Hannah is a 6yr. old Cock-a-poo. We live in Millington with my husband Jim, and Hannah's sister cat Breezy. In the winter months we live in Sebring, Fl. We have been with USA Therapy Dogs, since our graduation in April I was looking for an activity to do with Hannah, and I thought being a therapy dog would be perfect, because of her sweet and loving nature and quiet, calmness. It has turned into something we both enjoy. We have visited at McLaren, and the elementary school in Davison, and this summer we have made weekly visits to Cranberry Park in Clio. Last winter I completed the training that was required to take Hannah on visits with Good Shepard Hospice in Fl. So, I am looking forward to being involved with them when we return this fall. I am very happy to be able to share Hannah with others, and we always hear so many thank you's from the people we visit. I feel very fortunate to have the life I have and I am grateful for the o and for all the wonderful people that we have met through USA Therapy Dogs. REQUEST FOR THERAPY DOGS Central Elementary School in Davison is looking for Handlers/Therapy Dog teams to join them for reading classes. Teams will start their visits toward the end of September or beginning of October. Ann Bruno is the coordinator for this program at Central please contact her if you are interested in joining others teams in this very successful program. Please contact Ann at Head Start in Lapeer is looking for therapy dogs to visit with children in the Head Start program. Commitment would be every other Monday or Thursday morning for 1 hour during the school year. Details will be available mid September. Please contact Diane Noblett at if interested. Stonegate Health Care Facility in Lapeer to visit seniors. This is a small, beautiful and less than a year old facility, very comfortable visits. Seniors gather in the lounge area to welcome and visit the dogs, also there are two other areas in the building, one is physical therapy and the other is the Alzheimer's wing that welcome the handler/dog teams. Currently there is a small group visiting, but with the start of the school year some of our handler s schedules have changed. Visiting is every other Monday, next visit will be Monday, September 16th at 10:00 am. Visits are one hour. Also, Every other Thursday evening at 6:30 pm. If you are interested in visiting and these times are not conducive to your schedule other arrangements can be made for visits. Contact Diane Noblett at

VOLUNTEER HOURS Please submit your hours at the end of each month. Please tally up the hours by month. Email Diane for a visitation log: diane.noblett@yahoo.com and she will email one to you.

7 VOLUNTEER HOURS Please submit your hours at the end of each month. Please tally up the hours by month. Diane for a visitation log: diane.noblett@yahoo.com and she will one to you. Remember to have your visitation log signed by the contact person at the location. 15 visiting hours a year is required to remain in active status with USA Therapy Dogs, Please refer to the Policies and Procedures Manual for details. If you would like to receive another PPM send Diane Noblett an for the request. To qualify for Volunteer Hours Award (Handler/Dog Team with the most hours per quarter) for each quarter, hours must be received by: 1st quarter; March 31, 2013, 2nd quarter; June 30, 2013, 3rd quarter; September 30, 2013 and November 30, 2013 (short 4th quarter due to holiday season) December hours will still need to be submitted. End of the year awards, vest stars and certificates will be distributed at the annual Christmas Party in December. A star is given to be placed on Therapy Dog s vest for each year your Therapy Dog is active minimum of 15 visiting hours per year. One winner per quarter, if the same handler/therapy dog team wins two months in a row, the second month they will receive a Recognition Certificate. ALERT By: Diane Noblett A USA Therapy dog was recently accused of biting someone at a facility while vested and working. After an investigation and some research using our members Visitation Logs and other means it was discovered the accused USA Therapy Dog/ team never visited the facility where the allegation took place. It was a different therapy dog organization. It has been made clear to me because of this accusation there will be changes made to the Visitation Logs. It is imperative that the VISITATION LOGS (either USA TD or AKC) are filled out completely and turned in monthly. New Visitation Log Sheets will be ed to all members. If a member would like to have the log sheet sent via regular post please send a stamped, selfaddressed envelope to USA Therapy Dogs, Inc., P.O. Box 100, Davison, MI Attention: Diane Using these Visitation Logs will protect our members, USA Therapy Dogs and USA Therapy Dogs, Inc. NO OTHER FORM OF HOURS SUBMITTED WILL BE ACCEPTED. FALL CLASS NEWS USA Therapy Dogs, Inc. has 14 dogs and 16 handlers enrolled in the fall class, graduating November 12, This is the 2nd largest class to date that USA TD has put through the program. With the new policy in place, all dogs entering the USA TD program have been prescreened and all have passed without any issues. It is very exciting to see the growth within the organization. A person can learn a lot from a dog, even a loopy one like ours. Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things-a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught me about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly, he taught me about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering loyalty. John Grogan, Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World's Worst Dog 7

AKC Program Canine Partners Randall Trudell USA Therapy Dog member, Randall Trudell signed up for a new program through the AKC called Canine Partners.

For every USA TD member that signs up Randall will receive $10 that he will donate to USA TD. This is a very easy and fun way to earn money for USA TD.

org/mixed breeds/index.cfm IF YOU SEE BRODY - PLEASE CONTACT CHRIS HOPE 810-922-0106 or email her at parithead@comcast.net.

8 AKC Program Canine Partners Randall Trudell USA Therapy Dog member, Randall Trudell signed up for a new program through the AKC called Canine Partners. It will allow our members that have mixed breed dogs, rescue dogs and rare breeds to participate in AKC Rally, Agility, obedience trails and Coursing Ability Tests. For every USA TD member that signs up Randall will receive $10 that he will donate to USA TD. This is a very easy and fun way to earn money for USA TD. Please check out the website for more information how you can enroll in this program. STILL MISSING USATHERAPY DOG - HELP FIND BRODY $1,000 REWARD We have not forgotten Brody!! breeds/index.cfm IF YOU SEE BRODY - PLEASE CONTACT CHRIS HOPE or her at parithead@comcast.net. Brody was stolen from Chris yard in Flushing on January 28, 2013 AKC/THERAPY DOG RECOGNITION THERAPY DOG PATCH USA Therapy Dogs, Inc. is now a recognized Therapy Dog organization. The forms and guidelines have been ed to all members for those who would like to earn an AKC Therapy Dog patch. The visit log the AKC has a different format than the visit log for USA Therapy Dogs. AKC counts visits, USA TD counts hours. The same sheet can be used for both AKC visits and USA TD hours, just make sure the hours are stated on the form when sending to Diane Noblett at diane.noblett@yahoo.com. It is the Handlers responsibility to send in all the pertinent information to the AKC for their visits. All information is on the forms/guidelines. You can see USA Therapy Dogs, Inc. listed on the AKC website at: USA THERAPY DOGS, INC. STAFF MEMBERS President: Jarod Boyles Vice President: Diane Noblett Secretary: Kathy Fridline Treasurer: Suzanne Hock Lead Trainer: Daphne Stover Lead Medical Officer: Ann Bruno Events Coordinator: Ann Bruno Communications Coordinator: Diane Noblett Fundraiser Coordinator: Suzanne Hock Marketing Coordinator: Delena Austin Assistant Trainers: Ann Bruno Greg Palmer on call Anisa Gordon Randall Trudell Ken Hershberger Mike Binder on call Suzanne Hock Julie Allen 8

USA THERAPY DOGS, INC. Serving with Compassion and Pride

USA THERAPY DOGS, INC. Serving with Compassion and Pride July / August 2013 Volume 2, Issue 4 WISH LIST The following items are need for USA TD. If you can donate any of these much needed items please