News

Essential Four-Legged Worker

December 10, 2020

The newest employee at Christ the Teacher Catholic School is a boss’s dream. All he requires are a bed in his office, a few trips outside during the day, and some scratching behind the ears. Meet Dewey, the year-and-a-half-old golden doodle who has become a fixture around Christ the Teacher in Glasgow. Dewey is principal […]

Companions For Independence

December 10, 2020

Canine Companions for Independence (CCI.org) is a national non-profit that breeds, raises, trains and then gives service dogs, free of charge, to those that need them. I spoke with Aleeta Lehtinen, the president of the Old Dominion Chapter of CCI along with Bruce Hamon, a Vietnam War veteran who recently received Swain, an assistance dog, […]

Pawsome Canines

December 10, 2020

The position is held by local dog lover and antiques aficionada Angela Egan who played a leading role in securing the official dog friendly accolade. Now guests coming to stay at the venue can call her up and pre-book a package of activities and services for their much-loved family pets. Not only can their tail […]

Animals Helping Out

December 10, 2020

Service dogs can help those recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder accomplish daily tasks, provide situational assessments, and guide handlers out of stressful situations. Legend’s Heroes Service Dog Training Program, offered through Legend Acres, will bring an innovative approach to getting psychiatric and mobility service dogs and to those who need them to continue their recovery […]

Firefighters Response Canines

December 9, 2020

Three newly activated teams of chaplains certified as handlers of specially trained service dogs will offer added emotional support services to the employees of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, the agency announced Tuesday. “We are excited to introduce our three canines,” San Diego Fire Chief Colin Stowell said. “They are highly trained and available to […]

Therapy Dog Paws Program

December 9, 2020

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 […]

PTSD Service Dog

December 9, 2020

Six years after Warrior Freedom Service Dogs was established, the organization is expanding their one of a kind program that connects veterans to trained service dogs rescued from local animal shelters. Executive Director Adam Keith says the organization’s main goal is to help veterans reconnect with society, while providing service dogs with a loving home. […]

Service Dog For Christmas

December 9, 2020

We have all heard the phrase “man’s best friend” when referring to a dog. But when a dog is a special partner for a special needs child, the bond goes beyond friendship. “Blade” is an English Crème Golden Retriever, adopted at the age of 6 weeks by the Bovaird family last March. The family’s 16-year-old […]

Man Gets His Service Dog Back

December 9, 2020

Last Tuesday, a five-year-old chihuahua named Skyp Dim was taken from 71-year-old Pedro Carrion, who has been a fixture by a Burger King restaurant just north of the Palmetto Expressway on 67 Avenue for years. He camps out there with his few belongings and he always had his service dog by his side. He said […]

Service Dog Canines

December 9, 2020

San Diego Fire-Rescue welcomed three furry new team members to its department Tuesday. The four-legged family members will serve as part of the SDFD Crisis Response Canine Program. The new program pairs canines with chaplains to provide emotional support to firefighters during and after traumatic calls. Bodie, a 2-year-old Labrador retriever, is one of the […]