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April 10, 2018Dogs, Dogs, Dogs
PRESS RELEASE
Sarasota, FL –Tuesday, February 17, 2015 12pm – 1:30pm
Thunder has been one of nine Therapy Dogs that has delighted Pines of Sarasota’s residents with therapy visits. This coming week, Thunder will be competing in the 139th Annual Westminster Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show in New York City.
Owners, Joan and Stephen Engel and their Curly Coated Retriever, CH Sarasota’s Intrepid Thunderbolt JH CGC (call name Thunder), will be among more than 3,000 dogs competing in the events of Westminster Week.
Pines of Sarasota will stream the preliminary competition for our Assisted Living residents who regularly visit with Thunder. Research has shown that a therapy dog can break daily routine, increase happiness, stimulate the mind and improve overall well being. There is a Hot Diggity Dog Menu of themed snacks (dogs in a blanket, dog-bone shaped cookies and treats).
The event will take place in Cullers Hall. The Pines’ residents will be joined by four of their nine therapy dogs to cheer on their comrade Thunder. Charlie DeMarco from Therapy Dogs, Inc will be on hand to discuss the benefits of Dog Therapy.
“Our residents really love the visits from their furry friends from Pines’ Pet Therapy Volunteer program. They look forward to it immensely. This program has been so successful that the Therapy Dogs and their owners devoted 396 hours of service to Pines. Visits are always a highlight for residents in our Assisted Living. Skilled Nursing and Secure Dementia/Alzheimer’s Units. Each dog has an individual personality. But they all share a love of people, a calm, quiet demeanor and a disposition. It takes a very special person to help their dog become a therapy pet,” states Ivy Ruark, Director of Volunteers – Pines of Sarasota.
