Offering Animal Assisted Therapy, advanced dog training for therapy and service work, presentations, consultations for dog professionals, staff training and community education.
The seeds for Community K9 began when I visited the first senior’s resident with my Doberman, Magnum. Seven years later, in 2013, I officially named it and in honor of Magnum put his paw prints in the logo.
It was my big, goofy Doberman that introduced me to the rewarding world of animal assisted therapy. My dream had been competition obedience which he did for many years but it became clear that where he really shone was with people.
Over the years we visited seniors homes, schools and hospice. Someone suggested he visit with the kids at WindReach while they were waiting to ride. That led to his cameo in the Hope Academy Christmas play with Dylan and a decade long collaboration with WindReach. At WindReach I found the creative freedom to expand the program to include more interactive play and training and developed a goal oriented therapy classes focused on increasing student confidence and focus, developing social skills and working on motor skills and body awareness.
As Magnum moved into retirement, with the help of my students and friends, I began a therapy dog class at WindReach where students were paired with experienced dog/handler teams. It was no less than magical to watch especially the amazing Geralyn Counsell, a beautiful spirit who left us way too soon.
