The Sumner County Commission recognized April 30 as National Therapy Animal Day last month in honor of all therapy animals and their dedicated handlers who volunteer their time and compassion countywide each year.
The local handlers and therapy animals that were present to accept the certificate of recognition during the commission meeting on April 19 included:
Ellie Wetzel and Winnie Belle, a Great Pyrenees. The pair focus on visiting medical facilities, juvenile court foster care review board and the juvenile detention center in Davidson County, special events and colleges. They are also credentialed as an Animal Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) team.
Hattie Martinek, youth handler, and Piper, a therapy cat. The two focus on visiting with children in reading programs as well as seniors at the Hickory Hill Special Care Center in Hendersonville.
Jonathan Burba and Gregory, a Great Pyrenees. The duo focuses on visiting with children in reading programs in addition to other programs coordinated by the Literacy Council of Middle Tennessee as well as special events and college exam weeks. They are also credentialed as an AACR team.
Beverly Cannon and Lucy, a beagle mix. The pair focus on reading programs and year-round visits at the Sumner County Library in Portland as well as nursing homes, special events and college exam visits.
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