News and Notes
TDI has responded in the past when Therapy Dogs were needed after a Disaster, either man-made or natural.  The State of New Jersey, in case of need, will utilize our DSR Dog/Handler teams.  Ursula Kempe and her dog, Wusel (a veteran of DSR efforts after 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina) were invited to give a PowerPoint presentation to the participants of the Northeast States Disaster Planning Workshop. Participants at the workshop were representatives working in the Mental Health field for their respective states. The representatives of the various states were shown a movie about the work of Therapy Dogs and were explained the difference between a Therapy Dog and a DSR Dog (Disaster Stress Relief Dog). A DSR Dog/Handler team must go through additional training and testing to qualify for that designation.

Pictured below: Mr. Woo Wusel  TDIEVA, DSR with Supervising Emergency Response Coordinator Adrienne Fessler Belli, MSW, LCSW, BCETS.  If you scratch him the right way, Wusel will roll over for you!

Events

-Alexis and Rose, both members of breeds stereotyped as being vicious, were rehabilitated and adopted by Cydney Cross. They served with honors as Therapy Dogs. Alexis has gone over the Rainbow Bridge and Rosie is now retired. Both dogs were awarded our TDIAOV award (Alexis postcanineously). They also participated in a study, "The Use of Therapy Dogs with Adult Substance Abuse Clients." Silk, a Rescue Greyhound owned by Janice Underwood, participated in the study as well. The moving force who conducted this study was Terri Miller.

Alexis, Rose, and Silk

-After 8 years of outstanding service, TDI Associate Member Burton Klinger has informed us that his dog, Molly TDIAOV, DSR, is retiring.  Molly is a veteran of DSR efforts after 9/11 in New York City. 

-Julie Morgan’s Bernese Mountain Dog, Ranger, received the 2008 RADM Ben Hacker Leadership in Literacy Award.  The Literacy Partnership recognized Ranger and Julie's hard work promoting literacy through Tail Waggin’ Tutors Programs at their local library and school.

-Lady Skeiter, who is handled by Kathy Daily, was named the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association’s Pet of the Year at a convention in Manhattan, KS.  Lady Skeiter was chosen for this honor due to her weekly visits to Golden Living Nursing Home over the past eight years.

-Jim Papenfuss’ Golden Retriever, Misty, was honored with the Spirit of Planetree Award by Aurora Hospital and Clinic.

Misty

-Kelli Freeman and CoCo recieved the Luminary Award for Community Service from the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Kelli and CoCo

 -TDI member John Fitzpatrick submitted the following picture of himself and his dog, Dakota, to the "Milk Bone 100th Aniversary Spokesdog" contest. The photo is one of the 100 finalists in the contest. The winner will be determined by a vote on the Milk Bone website.

 
Dakota and John