The evening news recently carried stories of tragic events, with follow-up stories of Therapy Dogs and sometimes other trained therapy animals visiting the afflicted area. For the past 20 years the Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club (FVTDC) has had team members answer the call when tragedy strikes. The canine/human teams make regular visits to spread cheer to hospital patients staff members, nursing homes, schools, and reading events at libraries.
A recent look at the FVTDC calendar indicated 70 organized visits in one month, with many schools to include Batavia, Plainfield, Yorkville, Somonauk, and every community in between. That does not include the times a four o’clock phone call brings member teams to a place of unexpected sadness.
Dogs of all ages and sizes work together and practice “Making a Difference One Paw at a Time”. Members have had their partners reach out to a new arrival at a school who was hesitant about joining the group, but developed a bunch of new friends when the dog picked him out of the crowd. Patients have been known to find a smile they didn’t have for several days, when a wagging tail visits them. Our members would welcome the opportunity to share those special memories.
That lovable canine of yours could be one that embraces and reaches out a paw to provide a special joy. Contact the club at fvtherapydogs.org and learn more. FVTDC is a 501(c)3 organization.
— Ed Carter