July 2014
HOPE Crisis Response
Two of our teams, Debbie Berry with Sandy and Vicky Gurinsky and Missy, recently qualified to work with HOPE Animal-assisted Crisis Response. After a rigorous evaluation, they underwent three days of training in Colorado Springs, Colorado. While there, they had the opportunity to meet several Pet Partner teams from various parts of the southwestern United States. They will complete their certification with further training in human and canine first aid and CPR, as well as online classes. Very few therapy dog teams qualify to do this intensive level of work; we are proud to have two teams from DPPSA added to the ranks.
Pups and Planes
Some of you may have seen the media coverage of Lucy Coffey, the oldest living female veteran of World War II. She traveled to Washington D.C. on an “Honor Flight,” sponsored by American Airlines, to visit the war memorials and the White House. She was escorted through the airport by an honor guard as well as local dignitaries and… our own Suzanne Powell and Handsome Harley. Of all the “Pups and Planes” teams at the airport, Suzanne and Harley were the only one there for this special event.
Here’s a nice video from KSAT12 about “Pups and Planes.”