News

Famous rescue dog, dies at 18

April 3, 2020

Marnie, a female Shih Tzu senior rescue dog known across the world for her cocked head, pleading eyes and long tongue that always hung out of her mouth, has died. She was 18. Marnie was adopted by Shirley Braha when she was 11 years old. Her death was confirmed on her official Instagram page. “Her […]

therapy dog policy

April 3, 2020

The Massena Central School District Board of Education has approved the first reading of a new policy dealing with therapy dogs, with a pilot program set to begin at the high school in the 2020-21 school year. “It outlines a very detailed plan. The policy is still a pilot program, so we will have the […]

Mom opens dog training business

April 3, 2020

Brenda Scotchie was excited when her child was prescribed a service dog. “We had a family member that had been prescribed a service dog,” Soctchie said “And so they give you a script when they prescribe that and I though “cool, I love dogs,” But unlike a medical prescription you can get filled overnight, the […]

Travelers can now enjoy therapy dogs

April 3, 2020

Traveling can be stressful, and now the Portland Jetport is offering therapy dogs to help travelers relax. Through a partnership with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, nine dogs and their handlers roam the terminal encouraging travelers to de-stress by giving the pups a scratch behind the ears or even a belly rub. Cathy Woodhouse brings […]

Rita, the therapy dog

April 3, 2020

Rita Niro found a stray pit bull in Sarasota she named Red. The dog comforted child sexual assault victims, but that wasn’t his only purpose in life. The mangy dog was found wandering the street, the scars on his side revealing an unspeakable past. Not that Rita Niro was afraid. She had a soft spot […]

Great Pyrenees provides comfort

April 3, 2020

A therapy dog focused on animal-assisted activities is helping patients at Peterson Regional Medical Center in Kerrville. Twice a week, Graham Bishop and his sidekick Victoria, a Great Pyrenees, bring smiles to the patients and staff at the hospital. (Victoria) walked into my driveway one morning in a rainstorm and it was pouring down rain. […]

Therapy Dogs Ease Tension At Airport

April 3, 2020

A voice on an intercom announces pre-boarding at Gate 1 at Long Beach Airport. The nervous energy of several dozen travelers is palpable as they scramble toward the gate. Yet a small congregation has gathered away from the haphazard line being formed. Six sets of hands stretch out to meet the new local celebrities. It’s […]

Therapy Dogs Help Calm People

April 3, 2020

Is Capitol Hill going to the dogs? The vote is still out, but on the first day of the public impeachment hearings in November, 15 certified therapy dogs and their handlers went to work in Washington D.C. Among them were two Samoyeds, 12-year-old Zamboni, and 8-year-old Spumoni, and Mac, a 4-year-old Boerboel. Unlike lobbyists who […]

Difference Between Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals

April 3, 2020

You’ve probably encountered an emotional support animal or service animal before and if you don’t know the difference between the two, you are not alone. While there can be a tendency to use the names “emotional support animal” and “service animal” interchangeably, the two serve very different purposes with specific legal differences. Check out what […]

Emotional support animals for first responders

April 3, 2020

Not all superheroes wear capes as our local heroes wear scrubs, badges and aprons, said Santa Barbara County Second District Supervisor Gregg Hart. “It’s important we all take steps to protect ourselves and loves ones and perhaps save a life,” Hart said during the press briefing Thursday afternoon. Public Health Officer Dr. Henning Ansorg said there has been an […]