Growing by Leaps and Bounds

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

For everyone who is or is working towards being a Therapy Team, I thought I would share the things our local group Roxey Reading Therapy Dogs is doing. This organization started as a literacy program with just a handful of teams and is now growing by leaps and bounds.  We feel blessed to live in an area where there are so many people who support and get involved in this type of work. It may also give you some ideas for your local area.  As most of you know, Finnegan and I became a new therapy team in September and we are still learning.  The challenges are worth it! As 2013 comes to a close, I would love for others to share what they have been doing too. During 2013: Literacy for All has grown to over 70 therapy teams visiting more than 1,000 local elementary school students annually.  RRTD Courthouse Therapy Dogs has expanded from one program to two, standing by children seeking protective care in Dependency Court or facing abusers as Minor Victims of Violent Crime. Every minute, every child has a RRTD team at their side at the Courthouse and a stuffed “Roxy Puppy” to cuddle when they leave. RRTD Teams now visit Pedia Manor, a residential program for children too medically fragile to live at home. Most are dependent on ventilators; all are on feeding tubes and may never live on their own. Our newly formed Team Roxy has opened our doors to volunteers without therapy dogs. These bright lights make meaningful contributions across the organization, freeing up therapy dog teams for more visits. RRTD programs have caught the attention of officials from around the country who, recognizing their value, want to implement programs like ours. We’ve been contacted by Homeland Security Headquarters, the Delaware State Attorney General’s office, University of Pennsylvania doctoral professors, Federal Judges, Federal Military Dog Programs and more.  So…we have big plans for 2014, including Literacy for All teacher training, aSpeaker Series to support parents and teachers of special needs children, training modules to help  expand the Courthouse Programs around the country, Scholarshipsto assure college students can pay for their books, and, of course, more Roxy Puppiesfor kids in crisis.

[BG and Gavin]

Wow Cheryl, this is fantastic!!  I am also glad to hear Finn is coming right along in the reading program.

[Debbi & Harley]

Cheryl this is amazing - where do you live?  Would love to get Harley involved in some of these programs. we are in NY.

thanks,

Debbi & Harley

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I just saw this…so sorry Deb!  We're in Doylestown, PA about halfway between Phila. and NYC.

[Debbi & Harley]

no worries - I love these programs!  My parents live in Bryn Mawr so I am very familiar with your area.  If there is ever a time that Harley and I can participate in something please do let me know we would love to come to the area to visit (and work). :)