Entries by Marie Gilmore

Therapy Dogs at Forest Glen Middle Bring More than Comfort to Students and Teachers

Each day over the last three years, the peer counseling teacher at Forest Glen Middle School has brought two of man’s best friends into the workplace. Great Danes Brutus and Bodhi are staples at the school, and owner Shawna Meyer said even Principal Forsman likes to check in with them now and then. The dogs, part of […]

Beloved canine moves on after helping hospital staff through a year of the pandemic

(CNN) — Staff members at a Denver hospital have said a sad goodbye to Wynn, their canine companion for nearly two years and a presence during the Covid-19 pandemic that proved especially helpful. Wynn, a Labrador mix that’s going to become a service dog, walked out of the Rose Medical Center for the last time […]

Pups lending a paw to UI police support team

URBANA — University of Illinois students suffering from mental issues or just overwhelmed by stress now have a fully dedicated team of police employees in place to help them. Some are trained in crisis intervention, others are licensed clinical social workers, a few know just the right place to get help and others have four […]

With pandemic restrictions, reading program for children moves online

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — As pandemic restrictions came down and library branches closed their doors, the children’s department at Parkway Central Library had to move a popular reading program online. The PAWS for Reading program, which teams up young readers with furry friends, is meant to develop kids’ confidence and improve their skills. Pet therapy […]

Facts About the Incredible Human-Animal Bond

Do you ever notice how fulfilled you feel when you spend time with your pet? How your pet can inspire joy while also somehow helping you feel less stressed? Or maybe you are thinking of getting a pet hoping for companionship, affection and love? These and many more positives are the result of the pet […]

Good Girl: UWG Graduate’s Service Dog Receives Honorary ‘Dog-ree’

When Maggie Leptrone, a nursing student at the University of West Georgia, walked across the stage at Commencement Saturday morning, she wasn’t alone. Mona, her Diabetic Alert Dog, fetched herself a diploma, too. Mona, a Labradoodle, became the first canine companion in UWG history to receive an honorary “dog-ree” during in-person Commencement ceremonies that honored […]

Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara Continues to Serve in COVID Times

With a motto of “Happiness has four legs and a purple bandana,” Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara not only spreads happiness but also transforms lives, according to Founder and Executive Director Karen Lee Stevens. While COVID has prevented hands-on experiences, Stevens and her dedicated volunteers are finding creative ways to serve the community during this […]

Puppies are a powerful positive influence through pandemic

Nearly all dog owners – 92 percent – responding to a recent survey by Rover.com said their dogs have had a positive impact on their mental during the coronavirus pandemic. About 73 percent of the 1,000 U.S. dog owners contacted in the survey viewed going for walks with their dogs as the leading canine-related activity […]

Dog has pawsitive impact on middle school

WESTBROOK — Westbrook Middle School has a new furry friend, a therapy dog named Finn, who has made an impact on students’ mental health, according to school officials. The 7-month-old chocolate Labrador retriever who loves belly scratches started work in the school in May alongside both trainer and owner Laurie Wood, the school principal. Spending […]

Idaho Fish and Game uses specially trained K9s to investigate wildlife crimes

The dog days of summer may be over, but for six-year-old black lab Dexter— one of Idaho Fish and Game’s K-9s — that suits him just fine. Fall brings on one of the busiest and most exciting times of year for this eager sleuth and his partner, District Conservation Officer Tim Klucken of Pocatello, as […]