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THERAPY DOG FACTS 1. Therapy dogs are not service dogs, and are not protected under Americans with Disabilities Act the way service animals are. 2. Any type of dog could be a service dog, but Sunny was specifically selected by his breeding for a higher likelihood of success. 3. 15 Hours of service is a long week for Sunny. His owner/handler is able to see his stress cues, and knows when to call it a day. 4. Therapy animals and handlers are generally a volunteer-based service, however in some instances compensation is provided. 5. Certification for therapy animals is available through several credible organizations. Sunny is certified through Pet Partners, which is a nonprofit. 6. Sunny wears his vest when he is working, and seems to understand that he is on the job when the vest is on. Some of the “bling” on his vest was given to him by the people he’s comforted. 7. One of things most surprising things about working with a therapy dog to Sunny’s owner/handler, Angie, was the emotional toll Sunny’s interactions would have on herself.
Kalamazoo Humane Society announced it has recently received a $32,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, to help fuel its spay and neuter efforts in southwest Michigan. With the help of this donation, the organization will offer spay and neuter surgeries to 500 bully breed and large breed dogs for a $20 co-pay. The Kalamazoo Humane Society has focused its mission on pet population control. By offering discounted and subsidized spay and neuter services for cats and dogs, the number of animals entering area shelters has decreased, as well as the number of animals euthanized. The Kalamazoo Humane Society's dedication to reducing the number of unwanted litters of cats and dogs in southwest Michigan has far-reaching effects, as area shelters are bringing in animals from other states as a result of fewer stray and unwanted animals available in local communities. Since 2002, when the Kalamazoo Humane Society began the Operation Fix-It spay and neuter program, the organization has altered over 72,000 cats and dogs. "We've been on the front lines, battling pet overpopulation and making a positive impact on responsible pet ownership, animal health and public safety in our local communities," says Aaron Winters, Executive Director of the Kalamazoo Humane Society. "Grant programs that help us reduce the cost of spay and neuter surgeries help us reach out to pet owners who could otherwise never afford to have these procedures done." “We are thrilled to support its initiative to make affordable spay and neuter services accessible to a specific population of pets – big dogs – that often strain the resources of shelters,” said Kelly Balthazor, regional relationship manager at PetSmart Charities. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact the work of this organization will have on the pets throughout Kalamazoo County.” To register your dog for spay or neuter at this discounted pricing event, or to find out more information, please visit the Kalamazoo Humane Society website at https://www.kazoohumane.org/petsmart or call 269-345-1181. PetSmart Charities aims to proactively prevent pet homelessness. Since 1994, the organization has granted more than $100 million to support spay and neuter efforts across the United States.
