“Canine Assisted Therapy (C.A.T.) is a dynamic organization that represents kindness and operates with integrity. C.A.T. celebrates the human spirit of giving by sharing the healing powers of kindness and unconditional love found in our canine companions. This group of volunteers brings forward a real sense of “community” by sharing and caring for everyone. Canine Assisted Therapy promotes the real magic found in therapy dogs to those who may not be able to have this experience without a group like them. Whether it is visiting someone in an assisted living facility, or bringing confidence back to a child in their “Pack Readers Program,” every day one of their dog/handler teams helps someone else smile just a little brighter, and reminds us all to celebrate the feeling of being alive through the spirit of our animals.” ~ Rayfield, Alpha Dog Academy

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"Jesica participates in an exciting reading experience with Joanne and Chance. She was always a quiet and sweet girl trying her best, but still struggling in reading. She has completely changed since beginning this program! Her reading has GREATLY improved and she is more confident and excited about reading than ever. Jesica has 'come out of her shell' and is much more social since she has become part of this wonderful opportunity. Jesica comes from an all Spanish speaking home and I have seen a major improvement in her vocabulary and social confidence. I'm convinced that Joanne and Chance have had an immense impact on her as a student and an individual. We are lucky to have them at our school." ~ Ms. Anguilano - Bennett Elementary School

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“Doing this Canine Therapy Teen Corps Program is a huge advantage to me! I think I will learn many things about myself and my dog as well. I'm the type of person that will help anyone and with my dog's help is even more special to me. So far I am enjoying the program and my heart is in this all the way! My dog and I are going to be a great volunteer as a team because I have the passion to lend out a helping hand to people. I think that there should be more groups around like this because it teaches respect, ownership, responsibility and companionship. When people help others, I think it makes all of us better and happier people! I love my dog, I love helping people and my dog and I want to be certified as a C.A.T. Dog and companion!” ~Vanessa Bryant & Oreo – Teen Corps Volunteers

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“Dillon visits us here at United Cerebral Palsy Adult Day Program every Monday. Debra, his handler, will show up with a smile on her face and Dillon, with a wag in his tail. When Dillon arrives at program in the morning, smiles can be seen on faces and excitement can be heard in their voices. Everyone loves to have their picture taken with Dillon and feel his soft, fluffy fur. Dillon visits each and every person (all 81), and sits patiently and lovingly while individuals pet him, kiss him, talk to him and sometimes tug at his fur. It is always the highlight of the day when Dillon arrives. The consumers here have told me “Dillon is my friend”, “Dillon always listens to me” and “I like it when Dillon kisses me, it feels good”.

Staff says that when Dillon leaves, people always ask if he’ll be back next week again. The staff here at day program says that Dillon has been a good role model for helping them to teach positive social skills.

We all enjoy Dillon’s visits here and see the difference he has made in the lives of the people we service. Some angels have wings and some have tails. I feel Dillon has been our angel and want to thank Debra for making this happen and of course, a very special thanks to Dillon!” ~ Lynne Moore - Director of Vocational Services, United Cerebral Palsy, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida