rosie
Happy Retirement to Susie Atcheson and Rosie!
Rosie has been a delight to share with others. She makes you smile when you see her! She has shared her love with READ, with nursing homes, with schools and so many other therapy visits. We have enjoyed 8 years with CaringPaws. Rosie will now be living out her life in our new 55 and over community...where she is still bringing smiles to many.
Rosie has been a delight to share with others. She makes you smile when you see her! She has shared her love with READ, with nursing homes, with schools and so many other therapy visits. We have enjoyed 8 years with CaringPaws. Rosie will now be living out her life in our new 55 and over community...where she is still bringing smiles to many.
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latte
Happy Retirement to Ginny Anderson and Latte!
Latte, a short haired English pointer and a rescue from the Fayette Humane Society, became a registered Therapy Dog and member of CAREing Paws in December 2011. She and her handler, Ginny Anderson, have been a therapy and R.E.A.D. team for over 12 years!
Her last official event was at the Tyrone Library as a Reading Dog in April of 2023. She has had a variety of jobs throughout her life and has brought much happiness to many people. Her ability to sense who needed her would bring us to rooms of patients, staff and visitors at Piedmont Hospital. Or at Ashley Glenn, an assisted living home, she would put her
head in the laps of patients. Children at Focus, Lekotek, Special Pops (she was the cheerleader for fragile high schoolers), Club 2.0, and other children's groups would see her coming and give her pets/hugs. Those who were afraid of dogs were her specialty as she seemed to understand and would be extra careful. On exam week at a college campus a fellow petting Latte, exclaimed it was one of his best days.
Playing the part of Sandy in the musical "Annie" at the Fairburn Playhouse, Latte had nine performances and absolutely loved being on stage. One time during a performance, she jumped off stage to visit with people in the front row. And at dress rehearsal, after the performance, she decided to visit several ladies who were from an assisted living facility. Thankfully, she hadn't gone any further with the leaving audience crowd.
Latte was written up in "Tales of a Dog" a supplement of the Atlanta Journal and I can write about other numerous activities such as telling about Therapy Dogs at schools and churches. She has and is a wonderful gift....and I am very thankful for her.
... And, so are we at CAREing Paws for both Ginny Anderson and Latte. We are truly blessed by you.
Latte, a short haired English pointer and a rescue from the Fayette Humane Society, became a registered Therapy Dog and member of CAREing Paws in December 2011. She and her handler, Ginny Anderson, have been a therapy and R.E.A.D. team for over 12 years!
Her last official event was at the Tyrone Library as a Reading Dog in April of 2023. She has had a variety of jobs throughout her life and has brought much happiness to many people. Her ability to sense who needed her would bring us to rooms of patients, staff and visitors at Piedmont Hospital. Or at Ashley Glenn, an assisted living home, she would put her
head in the laps of patients. Children at Focus, Lekotek, Special Pops (she was the cheerleader for fragile high schoolers), Club 2.0, and other children's groups would see her coming and give her pets/hugs. Those who were afraid of dogs were her specialty as she seemed to understand and would be extra careful. On exam week at a college campus a fellow petting Latte, exclaimed it was one of his best days.
Playing the part of Sandy in the musical "Annie" at the Fairburn Playhouse, Latte had nine performances and absolutely loved being on stage. One time during a performance, she jumped off stage to visit with people in the front row. And at dress rehearsal, after the performance, she decided to visit several ladies who were from an assisted living facility. Thankfully, she hadn't gone any further with the leaving audience crowd.
Latte was written up in "Tales of a Dog" a supplement of the Atlanta Journal and I can write about other numerous activities such as telling about Therapy Dogs at schools and churches. She has and is a wonderful gift....and I am very thankful for her.
... And, so are we at CAREing Paws for both Ginny Anderson and Latte. We are truly blessed by you.
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Stella blue
Sandy Bolan and Stella Blue are retiring! While we are sad to see them go, we are so grateful for the time they shared with us. Sandy and Stella did the R.E.A.D. program at the Neva Lomason Memorial Library and Buchanan Haralson Public Library. In addition, they visited at KidsPeace where they helped a troubled teen find happiness and motivation.
Sandy wrote, Books enable us to travel around the world, go back back in time as well as become space adventurers and superheroes.
Stella Blue and I would like to thank all of the families who let us read with your children over the past three years. It was truly an honour.
Please join me in wishing Sandy and Stella a happy retirement! We wish you both all the very best life has to offer!
Sandy wrote, Books enable us to travel around the world, go back back in time as well as become space adventurers and superheroes.
Stella Blue and I would like to thank all of the families who let us read with your children over the past three years. It was truly an honour.
Please join me in wishing Sandy and Stella a happy retirement! We wish you both all the very best life has to offer!
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lewis & bindi
Happy Retirement to Lewis and Bindi! We wish you all the best and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your many years of service with CAREing Paws! This sweet note is from Deborah Franks.
It is time for Lewis and Bindi to retire from therapy work. COVID forced them to stop making visits last year – and we have decided to make it official and call them retired.
Bindi had a short therapy dog career – she became a therapy dog in April of 2019 and, of course, COVID came along a year later. But she did enjoy visiting patients and staff at Northside Cherokee Hospital and also got to go to the Children’s shelter in Cartersville a couple of times. Bindi likes to stay on the move, so her favorite visits were the ones where we wandered the halls of the hospital, visiting all the staff along the way. She is 13 now and shows no signs of slowing down. She plans to keep taking long walks and hopes to advance in her nosework career.
Lewis became a therapy dog in October 2016. He logged about 225 hours, doing all sorts of visits. His regular gigs included Northside Cherokee Hospital, Hickory Flat library, the Children’s Shelter and Camp Glisson. He enjoyed them all and spread lots of smiles and joy. But he really shone in his one on one visits with patients at the hospital. He loved sitting with them and was happy to stay and visit however long the patient wanted him to. He often wanted to stay in the room longer than I did and the patients loved it when he would refuse to leave with me! We met many, many interesting characters on our visits and I enjoyed them as much as Lewis.
Lewis is around 11 years old and has been living with epitheliotropic lymphoma since July 2020. He feels fine right now and plans to stick around as long as he can. He enjoys walks and naps and lots of snacks. And he also loves doing nosework classes.
Deborah Franks, many thanks to you, Lewis and Bindi for enriching the lives of others by embracing the power of the human-animal bond!
Happy Retirement!
It is time for Lewis and Bindi to retire from therapy work. COVID forced them to stop making visits last year – and we have decided to make it official and call them retired.
Bindi had a short therapy dog career – she became a therapy dog in April of 2019 and, of course, COVID came along a year later. But she did enjoy visiting patients and staff at Northside Cherokee Hospital and also got to go to the Children’s shelter in Cartersville a couple of times. Bindi likes to stay on the move, so her favorite visits were the ones where we wandered the halls of the hospital, visiting all the staff along the way. She is 13 now and shows no signs of slowing down. She plans to keep taking long walks and hopes to advance in her nosework career.
Lewis became a therapy dog in October 2016. He logged about 225 hours, doing all sorts of visits. His regular gigs included Northside Cherokee Hospital, Hickory Flat library, the Children’s Shelter and Camp Glisson. He enjoyed them all and spread lots of smiles and joy. But he really shone in his one on one visits with patients at the hospital. He loved sitting with them and was happy to stay and visit however long the patient wanted him to. He often wanted to stay in the room longer than I did and the patients loved it when he would refuse to leave with me! We met many, many interesting characters on our visits and I enjoyed them as much as Lewis.
Lewis is around 11 years old and has been living with epitheliotropic lymphoma since July 2020. He feels fine right now and plans to stick around as long as he can. He enjoys walks and naps and lots of snacks. And he also loves doing nosework classes.
Deborah Franks, many thanks to you, Lewis and Bindi for enriching the lives of others by embracing the power of the human-animal bond!
Happy Retirement!
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trixie
Happy Retirement to Trixie, wonderful therapy dog and partner to Mike Antol!
Trixie adopted Mike by jumping over the fence into his backyard almost 13 years ago. After serving for 7 years, she is retiring. They've done many visits to GA Tech, the Atlanta Airport where they are well known!, Wholanta, Tractor Supply and many more! They've shared smiles so many places and will be dearly missed, but all that rubbing, scratching and walking is hard on a girl.
Enjoy your retirement, Trixie!
Trixie adopted Mike by jumping over the fence into his backyard almost 13 years ago. After serving for 7 years, she is retiring. They've done many visits to GA Tech, the Atlanta Airport where they are well known!, Wholanta, Tractor Supply and many more! They've shared smiles so many places and will be dearly missed, but all that rubbing, scratching and walking is hard on a girl.
Enjoy your retirement, Trixie!
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karl
Happy Retirement to Karl! Karl is the wonderful therapy partner of Martha Boone.
Martha shares this about Karl -
My Rottweiler, Karl, and I became a CAREing Paws therapy team four years ago. He'd always been very friendly and outgoing and this gave him the opportunity to meet lots of people. His favorite place to visit was Piedmont Fayette Hospital. He's the perfect size to walk up to a hospital bed and let patients pet his big head.
Karl is always ready to shake hands…and get a treat. He became best known for his “hospital voice". When asked to speak he did a silent bark.
I like to think that Karl was able to dispel some people's ideas about Rottweilers. He was able to show what a gentle, loving breed they are. Sadly, Karl was recently diagnosed with cancer so he's being pampered at home. He was able to make a final visit to PFH to see his favorite staff members.
We love you, Karl and Martha! Relax and enjoy your well-earned retirement. Thanks for sharing so much love with Piedmont Fayette Hospital, as well as, many others. Lots of love!
Martha shares this about Karl -
My Rottweiler, Karl, and I became a CAREing Paws therapy team four years ago. He'd always been very friendly and outgoing and this gave him the opportunity to meet lots of people. His favorite place to visit was Piedmont Fayette Hospital. He's the perfect size to walk up to a hospital bed and let patients pet his big head.
Karl is always ready to shake hands…and get a treat. He became best known for his “hospital voice". When asked to speak he did a silent bark.
I like to think that Karl was able to dispel some people's ideas about Rottweilers. He was able to show what a gentle, loving breed they are. Sadly, Karl was recently diagnosed with cancer so he's being pampered at home. He was able to make a final visit to PFH to see his favorite staff members.
We love you, Karl and Martha! Relax and enjoy your well-earned retirement. Thanks for sharing so much love with Piedmont Fayette Hospital, as well as, many others. Lots of love!
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oliver
Happy Retirement to Oliver, therapy partner to Marty Crites!
Marty shares this about Oliver -
Unfortunately, the time has come when I must make the difficult decision to retire Oliver from doing therapy work with CAREing Paws. His mind is willing, but his body is not. He has been doing therapy work with CAREing Paws since May 2016. Oliver is almost 13 and is having problems with strength in his back end. Walking as much as we have done in therapy work is just not going to be possible for him in the coming months and hopefully, years. Oliver loved his new "job" after his racing career ended, especially going to Piedmont Fayette Hospital. When we would pull into the parking lot he would get so excited, because he knew where he was and couldn't wait to get inside. Oliver also visited many other places such as the airport, adult day care homes, a drug and alcohol rehab hospital, Georgia Tech where he got to meet "Buzz", Savannah School of Arts and Design, trade shows and an elementary school. At one of the adult day care centers, there was a young man who was intimidated by Oliver's size, but quickly learned that he was a gentle giant and would always light up when Oliver came. On the months that I brought Zoo, my other therapy dog, he was always disappointed that he didn't get to see Oliver. At this same center, there was a girl who was really terrified of dogs, but over time, she overcame her fear and would love to pet the dogs when we visited. In the future, I know it will be difficult for him to see me putting the therapy jacket on Zoo (he knows full well what that jacket signifies) but maybe giving him an extra treat will help make up for it.
We're going to miss you, Oliver! Enjoy your retirement years!
Lots of love from all of us!
Marty shares this about Oliver -
Unfortunately, the time has come when I must make the difficult decision to retire Oliver from doing therapy work with CAREing Paws. His mind is willing, but his body is not. He has been doing therapy work with CAREing Paws since May 2016. Oliver is almost 13 and is having problems with strength in his back end. Walking as much as we have done in therapy work is just not going to be possible for him in the coming months and hopefully, years. Oliver loved his new "job" after his racing career ended, especially going to Piedmont Fayette Hospital. When we would pull into the parking lot he would get so excited, because he knew where he was and couldn't wait to get inside. Oliver also visited many other places such as the airport, adult day care homes, a drug and alcohol rehab hospital, Georgia Tech where he got to meet "Buzz", Savannah School of Arts and Design, trade shows and an elementary school. At one of the adult day care centers, there was a young man who was intimidated by Oliver's size, but quickly learned that he was a gentle giant and would always light up when Oliver came. On the months that I brought Zoo, my other therapy dog, he was always disappointed that he didn't get to see Oliver. At this same center, there was a girl who was really terrified of dogs, but over time, she overcame her fear and would love to pet the dogs when we visited. In the future, I know it will be difficult for him to see me putting the therapy jacket on Zoo (he knows full well what that jacket signifies) but maybe giving him an extra treat will help make up for it.
We're going to miss you, Oliver! Enjoy your retirement years!
Lots of love from all of us!
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atticus
Happy Retirement to Bonnie Edwards and Atticus! We will surely miss you and all your contributions to CAREing Paws over the years!
Atticus fell in love with everybody he saw, every dog and cat he saw. He loves people, children, babies and his furry friends. He is cool, calm and obedient. One of Bonnie's neighbors suggested that he would make a wonderful therapy dog. He fell in love with that and looked forward to the days that they visited together. They actively visited hospitals, nursing homes and special-needs camps around Charleston, South Carolina before moving to the Atlanta area in June 2016. Since moving here they have been volunteering through and with CAREing Paws. Atticus is a sweetie and he is so calm and docile and a wonderful companion. He doesn’t know a stranger and he talks and greets everybody he sees.
We are going to miss you both! Stay safe and stay well! Happy holidays to all!
Atticus fell in love with everybody he saw, every dog and cat he saw. He loves people, children, babies and his furry friends. He is cool, calm and obedient. One of Bonnie's neighbors suggested that he would make a wonderful therapy dog. He fell in love with that and looked forward to the days that they visited together. They actively visited hospitals, nursing homes and special-needs camps around Charleston, South Carolina before moving to the Atlanta area in June 2016. Since moving here they have been volunteering through and with CAREing Paws. Atticus is a sweetie and he is so calm and docile and a wonderful companion. He doesn’t know a stranger and he talks and greets everybody he sees.
We are going to miss you both! Stay safe and stay well! Happy holidays to all!
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bear
Happy Retirement to Bear! Sara Godowns and Samson “Bear” of Cold Springs have served as a certified therapy dog team since January 2015. They visited at Florence Hand Nursing Home, Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute, Point University & LaGrange College. Additionally, they participated at the LaGrange Library in the R.E.A.D. program. Bear provided much love and support to many in the past 5 years, in his official capacity. He will continue to provide that same love and support in their community in an unofficial capacity. Because of COVID, and Bear's age, Sara and Bear are retiring. They have left a lasting legacy and will be deeply missed. Enjoy your retirement years!
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sugar
Happy retirement sweet Sugar! This sweet girl has been a therapy dog since age 2, after being rescued from a municipal shelter in Tulsa, OK. Originally a foster puppy, she never left and has been the heart of our ‘pack’ for the last 13 years. She has always had the calmest, loving demeanor and craves human attention. She enjoyed visiting nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, college campuses and most of all, children’s hospitals. It was easy to sense the connection she had with the children…knowing they needed some extra attention. She is facing a lot of current health problems, but we will face them together. We are thankful every day for the amazing blessing she has been, not only to us, but to those who also shared her special bond!
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colbear
Happy Retirement to Colbear! Colbear has enjoyed being a therapy dog for the past 8 years. He loved his library readers along with his mom, Susie Atcheson. He enjoyed making residents smile at all the nursing homes he visited. Students loved to pet him when they would attend finals week. He is a beautiful Golden Retriever and people loved to just look at him, pet that beautiful hair, and give him hugs and kisses. Colbear was always extremely calm and many people who were afraid of dogs were able to use him to get over their fear. Susie & Colbear even participated with a therapist to help a client get over her fear of dogs, which she did in a couple hours with Colbear. He didn’t mind wearing costumes for the season, and looked dapper in his tux for Night to Shine. He is the best dog and Susie & Colbear have enjoyed being a CAREing Paws team for these many years. His retirement years ahead, unfortunately, will be spent fighting that dreaded disease cancer, but we hope to have many more months with Colbear. He is truly the best!
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miss gidget
Miss Gidget has loved her therapy work. Wanda (her mom) has seen her sit with a patient who is learning to read again because of a stroke, walk with someone learning to walk again and sit with a relative after losing a love one. She has always known who needed her and would stay as long as needed. All Wanda had to say was are you ready to go to work and she would go sit in the closet until Wanda dressed her. Girlfriend loves her wardrobe! Now the time has come for her to relax. I hope all of you release the happiness your dogs bring.
Wanda and Miss Gidget
Wanda and Miss Gidget
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Anna
Anna has been a part of CAREing Paws for four wonderful years! From being a part of stress relief at colleges, to being part of "A Night to Shine", to visiting those beautiful souls in Memory Care, to being part of the inaugural "Court House" dogs, it has been our honor to be a Therapy Dog! Happy Retirement, Robin Ferrara and Anna!
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blaze
Blaze has been a therapy dog for the last eight years. At eleven going on twelve, it’s time for him to retire. Over the years he’s visited assisted living homes, children’s homes and hospitals, colleges for finals destressing, respite care programs, school programs and a variety of other special events. He’s been a wonderful ambassador for greyhounds and pet therapy by also participating in local greyhound events as well.
Blaze will be enjoying his retirement at home and attending a few greyhound events like the Pope High School Football home games as long as he is able to.
Congratulations to Kathy Rakestraw and Blaze! Happy Retirement!
Blaze will be enjoying his retirement at home and attending a few greyhound events like the Pope High School Football home games as long as he is able to.
Congratulations to Kathy Rakestraw and Blaze! Happy Retirement!
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josephine
Jackie and Josephine have had a wonderful eight years of volunteering together! They have the prestigious honor of being our first CAREing Paws Team in Texas!!! However, the time has come for them to hang up their book bag and say “so long" to the kiddos at school! Jackie writes, Thank you Melissa and CAREing Paws for the guidance and support you have given us over the past six years. Josephine will be enjoying much deserved relaxation at home and at her favorite vacation spot on St. George Island, Florida! Best Wishes to all, Jackie and Josephine
They have left big paws to fill! We will certainly miss Jackie and Josephine and all their contributions! ENJOY your well-earned retirement!
They have left big paws to fill! We will certainly miss Jackie and Josephine and all their contributions! ENJOY your well-earned retirement!
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Cori
Kathy Rakestraw retired her girl Cori yesterday. Cori's going to be 11 very soon. Kathy has a lot of changes going on in her life so she decided to retire Cori. But yesterday Kathy actually saw from her that’s she’s ready to retire. She wasn’t as engaged as she normally is. They will miss their friends and the kids at RT Jones but Karen Cobb and her boy Norman will taking over so Kathy and Cori can rest easy.
Kathy and Cori, THANK YOU for all you have done. You have definitely made a difference in all the many young lives you have touched over the years you have served.
Kathy and Cori, THANK YOU for all you have done. You have definitely made a difference in all the many young lives you have touched over the years you have served.
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moose
Molly Young and Moose have been serving as READing partners at the Fayette Co Library since Sep 2012 (72 visits). Moose was a lover of all and the best listener. Kids loved to tangle their fingers in his fur while they read stories of all kinds. He was good at jumping into the middle of chapter books for the older kids and scanning the pictures for context clues to help the younger kids. Moose made sure all kids and adults were welcomed with a wet nose in the Fayette County Public Library's Children's Department. He was always eager to encourage kids to keep reading. Molly has attached a few pictures from some of their memories that she's posted to FB over the years. Can't believe it's been 6 years!
Molly Young and Moose, we will miss you! THANK YOU for all your many years of service and for helping kids learn to LOVE reading!!!
Molly Young and Moose, we will miss you! THANK YOU for all your many years of service and for helping kids learn to LOVE reading!!!
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sparty
Sparty began her work with CAREing Paws in 2014. She brought joy to people in nursing homes, children in the hospital, troubled teens living at a behavioral health facility and youngsters practicing their reading at the library. Sparty came to CAREing Paws about a year after being found abandoned on the side of a road in Dallas, Georgia. She got her second chance at a rich, full life when she was taken in by the DREAM rescue program for dachshunds and then adopted. Sparty was always so excited when we pulled into the library parking lot and she was known to do her "Sparty shake" on the floor when she was happy, which made the kids laugh out loud. Sparty is retiring knowing she made a difference in the lives of many by showing them the unwavering love and support only a dog can give.
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miss sophie gray
Miss Sophie began her service as a therapy dog in 2008 and R.E.A.D. in 2009. She visited nursing and veteran's homes, assisted living and Alzheimer's facilities as well as schools and libraries. She started a READing program "4 Paws and a Book" at local historical library where children came to read with her each month. She loved everyone she met and everyone loved her! She was inducted into the Alabama Animal Hall of Fame by the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association in 2010 for her work as a therapy and READ dog.
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jen
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Sweet Jen is retiring! JEN (BL'S Jens Chex) came to Sandra Rowden Miles when her "person" passed away in 2010. She was born 3/29/2005 and raced in Florida. She has been a member of CAREing Paws for about 3 years. She really started visiting nursing homes and Egleston (CHOA) about 7 years ago for Southeastern Greyhounds. She has done many, many meet and greets for her breed. She loved visiting with children and adults everywhere! She was a big hit at Piedmont Fayette and the airport. She is now retired and races in the yard with her sisters.
THANK YOU to Sandra Rowden Miles and Jen for all your many years of service as a Therapy Team! Sandi is continuing to visit with Jazz, who is following in her sister's pawsteps! |
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josie
About five years ago I read an article in the "Living Section" of the AJC about children that read to a dog at the Marietta Library. When I finished the article there was a woman to contact if interested becoming involved in this pet therapy program. The contact's name was Melissa Saul. I'm so glad I picked up the paper that day!
After reading the article I thought this would be a good fit for myself as a former Kindergarten teacher and our four year old Keeshond, Josie.
First of all, I am so grateful for Melissa for putting her heart and soul into CAREing Paws and the R.E.A.D. program. We wouldn't be able to do what we do as members of CAREing Paws without her dedication and guidance. There seems to be daily opportunities to share the comfort and love of our dogs to a challenged reader, a hospital patient or a resident of a memory care facility. Pet therapy knows no bounds, this is what I have learned over the last five years.
I have included some of my favorite pictures over the years. I will truly miss the relationships with other handlers, their precious pups and our many visits from Crabapple Lane Elementary to Georgia Tech to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. These are moments I won't forget.
After reading the article I thought this would be a good fit for myself as a former Kindergarten teacher and our four year old Keeshond, Josie.
First of all, I am so grateful for Melissa for putting her heart and soul into CAREing Paws and the R.E.A.D. program. We wouldn't be able to do what we do as members of CAREing Paws without her dedication and guidance. There seems to be daily opportunities to share the comfort and love of our dogs to a challenged reader, a hospital patient or a resident of a memory care facility. Pet therapy knows no bounds, this is what I have learned over the last five years.
I have included some of my favorite pictures over the years. I will truly miss the relationships with other handlers, their precious pups and our many visits from Crabapple Lane Elementary to Georgia Tech to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. These are moments I won't forget.
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BINGO
After over 200 visits in six years, Bingo retired in January 2018. When we adopted him at 6 1/2 years of age he didn't know a single command. He quickly learned his obedience skills, and we knew he had the temperament to be a great therapy dog. Bingo visited many facilities, including Anchor Hospital, Ridgeview Institute, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and Scottish Rite. His specialty was giving kisses - LOTS of kisses. His calm, laid back demeanor and small size put many clients at ease. Although he would be happy to try, chronic back pain and general aging issues made it increasingly difficult to continue his therapy work. We are so proud of our special man!
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miller
After two years volunteering with CAREing Paws in the R.E.A.D. Program, Miller decided it was time to retire and be a stay-at-home dog. During their time as a therapy team, he and his mom, Sarah, worked with children at Burch and Palmetto Elementary Schools. Miller loved listening to the children read and getting belly rubs from them, too! He worked with one little boy who’d been through a lot of personal trauma and had been very negative about school. He rarely smiled or engaged in the classroom. About two-thirds of the way through the school year of visiting with Miller, the little boy bounced into his classroom with a big smile and announced to his teacher, “I decided I like school now.” The teacher asked why, and he replied, “Because of Miller!” Miller and Sarah also did a special session to teach the entire third grade at one school about working dogs. The students were very interested in Miller, wanting to know how fast he could run (in miles per hour) and whether he was married! Miller also enjoyed his college visits at Point University, where his mom teaches. In retirement, he is enjoying hiking, playing with his favorite toys, and sleeping a lot!
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taka
On February 13, 2016, Taka, Jamie Ward's therapy dog and Reading Education Assistance Dog (R.E.A.D.), retired from his distinguished therapy career. Taka and Jamie started therapy work in 2008 visiting the local veterans’ home, nursing homes and Alzheimer care facilities. They retired at the Redstone MWR library in Huntsville, AL where they served for over 6 ½ years (July 2009 – February 2016). The Tales with Taka reading program began immediately after Taka and Jamie became a registered R.E.A.D. team. When they began the library program at Redstone, they found that Taka’s special gift was being a listener. He truly loved going to the library to hear the wonderful stories from his readers. Taka assisted many a shy or timid reader and helped build confidence and literacy skills in each of his readers. His gentle nature and sweet spirit were also catalysts for educating children in how to interact safely with dogs. One young reader was terrified of dogs in general; however, Taka’s patience and gentleness helped this young man and his younger brother overcome their fear of dogs. Young soldiers who visited the library would often share stories or reminiscence about their dogs while they visited with Taka.
Over the years, Taka and Jamie also conducted reading programs at Marshall Christian Academy in Albertville, AL, Brownwood Elementary in Scottsboro, AL, and the Tillman D. Hill Public Library in Hazel Green, AL. Taka has patiently and lovingly listened to hundreds of readers during his service.
In 2010, Taka was inducted into the Alabama Animal Hall of Fame. It was a great honor to be included as a member for his therapy work. He was awarded a Commander’s Coin, an appreciation certificate, and Department of the Army retirement certificate for his dedicated and faithful service. He even received a self-authored book from one of his young readers called, “Super Taka.” This young reader was only a toddler when his older siblings began to read to Taka. Now, he has read to Taka and earned achievement medals and a trophy for reading.
Jamie is so proud to have been Taka’s partner during their numerous therapy visits as she was fortunate to see the many smiles, hugs, and kisses both given and received. Yes, there were tears from many when Taka retired, but they were tears of joy in celebrating the friendships and hearts that Taka has touched and the joy of reading that he gave to so many. Jamie said "If we have encouraged even one reader to love books and libraries, then I am confident we have completed our mission to improve children’s literacy. Who knows, maybe we have been an inspiration for some of our readers to become teachers, librarians, or even future writers and authors."
Over the years, Taka and Jamie also conducted reading programs at Marshall Christian Academy in Albertville, AL, Brownwood Elementary in Scottsboro, AL, and the Tillman D. Hill Public Library in Hazel Green, AL. Taka has patiently and lovingly listened to hundreds of readers during his service.
In 2010, Taka was inducted into the Alabama Animal Hall of Fame. It was a great honor to be included as a member for his therapy work. He was awarded a Commander’s Coin, an appreciation certificate, and Department of the Army retirement certificate for his dedicated and faithful service. He even received a self-authored book from one of his young readers called, “Super Taka.” This young reader was only a toddler when his older siblings began to read to Taka. Now, he has read to Taka and earned achievement medals and a trophy for reading.
Jamie is so proud to have been Taka’s partner during their numerous therapy visits as she was fortunate to see the many smiles, hugs, and kisses both given and received. Yes, there were tears from many when Taka retired, but they were tears of joy in celebrating the friendships and hearts that Taka has touched and the joy of reading that he gave to so many. Jamie said "If we have encouraged even one reader to love books and libraries, then I am confident we have completed our mission to improve children’s literacy. Who knows, maybe we have been an inspiration for some of our readers to become teachers, librarians, or even future writers and authors."
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Diesel
Diesel, and his dad, Denny Young, are a registered therapy dog team with Alliance of Therapy Dogs and CAREing Paws. Diesel was registered at age one and immediately went to work in South Carolina. During his career there, Diesel became "staff" credentialed at the local Shriners Children Hospital, visited a children's group home, behavioral rehab center, the VA hospital and participated in a school reading program.
Diesel and his family then moved to Georgia where he began visiting a local nursing home and shared smiles and joy for four wonderful years. Denny and Diesel participated in the initial Atlanta Airport Therapy Dog program and soon became an approved member of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport therapy dog program where they visited regularly.
Diesel is the 1st (and only) dog in America to be credentialed to use a cart in conjunction with therapy dog work. He’s brought joy to many children by giving them cart rides at a children’s’ bereavement camp and at a summer library program. Diesel proudly pulled his beautifully decorated cart during the Dahlonega Christmas parade and made deliveries of presents to a teen group home during the holidays.
In addition to his therapy dog work, Diesel was the official mascot/volunteer for the Pickens County Sheriff's Auxiliary participating in many fund-raising and public relations activities.
He will always be the loving, loyal and constant animal companion to Denny & Deanna Young.
Diesel and his family then moved to Georgia where he began visiting a local nursing home and shared smiles and joy for four wonderful years. Denny and Diesel participated in the initial Atlanta Airport Therapy Dog program and soon became an approved member of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport therapy dog program where they visited regularly.
Diesel is the 1st (and only) dog in America to be credentialed to use a cart in conjunction with therapy dog work. He’s brought joy to many children by giving them cart rides at a children’s’ bereavement camp and at a summer library program. Diesel proudly pulled his beautifully decorated cart during the Dahlonega Christmas parade and made deliveries of presents to a teen group home during the holidays.
In addition to his therapy dog work, Diesel was the official mascot/volunteer for the Pickens County Sheriff's Auxiliary participating in many fund-raising and public relations activities.
He will always be the loving, loyal and constant animal companion to Denny & Deanna Young.
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Katie
Katie and her Mom, Robin Sockness, were a registered team with TDInc. and volunteers with CAREing Paws. Katie spread smiles and joy and helped folks with emotional healing at her local nursing home and rehab facility. She especially enjoyed the company of Ms. Juanita, Ms. Beverly and Ms. Dell because they always gave her belly scratches and cookies! Katie spent a lot of time relaxing on"The General's" bed as he would share stories with her about his days as a minister and as a child and told her all the wonderful things about his life with his wife. Katie is 4 and a half pounds of wonderful.
She and her Mom have been very grateful for the free eye exams offered each year. At a recent visit and exam, it was discovered that Katie has very limited vision up close and so therapy visits would be less enjoyable for her because she could no longer see the patients very well. It was a difficult decision to make, but she and her Mom are very glad for the two + years they were able to make people smile. Katie, also known as "Katie Bug" is living out her retirement as the boss of the house over her sister KiKu, a retired therapy dog, and her brother KaeJae, the world's cutest Jack Russell terrier.
She and her Mom have been very grateful for the free eye exams offered each year. At a recent visit and exam, it was discovered that Katie has very limited vision up close and so therapy visits would be less enjoyable for her because she could no longer see the patients very well. It was a difficult decision to make, but she and her Mom are very glad for the two + years they were able to make people smile. Katie, also known as "Katie Bug" is living out her retirement as the boss of the house over her sister KiKu, a retired therapy dog, and her brother KaeJae, the world's cutest Jack Russell terrier.
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Brutus
Brutus, as you retire from 5 years of service as a CAREing Paws Therapy Dog, we find ourselves with mixed emotions – some sadness mixed with joy as we remember all those special moments when you touched the heart of a child, an elderly person in a nursing home or a university student missing their pet at home. You've earned the right to rest, relax and enjoy all that is around you! "Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time." Sir J. Lubbock
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jessie
It is time for Jessie to retire. It has been a wonderful and rewarding experience and Jessie made many friends along the way. At Ashley Glen, we were eagerly awaited to sit and chat while getting a good belly rub in the process. And the children at the library had lots of stories to tell. Jessie always listened intently with closed eyes, but when she heard the word "kitty" her ears always popped up and she made sure the cat stayed in the story book and wasn't going to come out. Jessie had a great partner in her friend Phoenix and together they made a phenomenal visiting team.
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kiku
KiKu has decided to hang up her therapy dog tag and trade it in for a Retirement Princess Crown. KiKu’s favorite times were sitting in her stroller while being worshipped for the Princess that she is. She’d show her enthusiasm by standing on the very edge of the pet stroller and craning her neck to point me in the direction she wanted to go for visits. She loved to give kisses on the chins of the folks in the nursing home we visited and liked to snuggle on a lap for any photo op that came along. Ms. Juanita, in the photo with KiKu was her favorite person to sit with. She’d often settle down for a nap as we chatted, or watch out Ms. Juanita’s door to make sure no monsters entered. KiKu is also famous for inciting laughter in folks when she would do her spins and turn her butt to them, much preferring butt scratchies to head scratchies! I thank KiKu for the joy and love she spread and for all the giggles she got from folks when she gave them her perfect little girly “Chin Kisses”. Job well done, little lady. – Robin Sockness
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