Talk to the Paw Support Dogs, Inc. Volunteer Newsletter Spring 2015 Support Dogs, Inc Volunteer Newsletter TOUCH Program - Reformatted In 2013, the VAC began looking at the TOUCH program. We know the program is wonderful but we wanted to see if there were any changes or improvements that would make it even better. After careful consideration, in 2014, we implemented a segmented class format, along with an instructor intern program. The segmented class format allows volunteers to get out in the community sooner and also allows the handler to participate in only the segments desired. TOUCH still begins with a temperament evaluation, after successful completion of an adult obedience class. Next, instead of the 12-week class, there are segmented classes. First, the team starts with a four-week TOUCH Prep Class. After successful completion of this class, the team can move to the Adult class and/or the Paws for Reading class. The Paws class requires a recommendation from the instructor and is a two hour class. The Adult class is a five-week class. After successful completion of the Adult segment, the team can begin visiting in adult facilities. If desired and if instructor recommended, the team may enroll in the Children’s class. Upon successful completion of the four-week Children’s class, the team can visit in non-acute child facilities. This does not include Children’s Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital or Ranken Jordan. In order to visit these facilities, the Acute class is required. The Acute segment is a two- week class. Before a handler can take the Acute class, the team must have made 12 visits in six months or twelve months at a non-acute child facility. Along with the segmentation of TOUCH classes, an instructor intern class was developed. This is where new instructors have classroom lessons and then do observations, assist with, and eventually teach the TOUCH classes. If you have any questions, are interested in becoming a TOUCH instructor, or would like to enroll in TOUCH classes, please contact Cindi Blanke at [email protected]. New TOUCH and Paws Teams Spring 2015 Front Row: Laura Taylor/Ida, Stacey Alexander/Thunder, Bonnie Macklin/Oliver, Ann Ferguson/Nala, Judy Spurlock/Grover, Danielle Kouri/Krueger, Madonna Watermon/Theo, Mary Jo Leffler/Fender, Jennifer Calcaterra/Max, Toni Corona/Birdie, Debbie Stiffelman/Lily Back Row (standing): Michelle Kovarick/Chief, Lisa O’Dell/Fabio, Chuck Schagrin/Benny, Tammy Popp/Rylie, Tony Rudolph/Zoey, Rebecca Wald-Dickler/Bella, Emily Murdoch/Simon, Jennifer McGrath/Raspberry, Joanne Hauge/Carson, Greg Fisher/Jack Not Pictured: Clay Hildebrand/Rocky, Peter Michelson/Lucy, Renee Mitchell/Nellie Bear, Kate Quinn/Sophie, Mary Thompson/Trooper Talk to the Paw page 2 Lily stars in Annie Volunteer Advisory Council Corner The Volunteer Advisory Council (VAC) would like to thank those who attended the Volunteer Appreciation Brunch. We hope you enjoyed the event as much as we enjoyed visiting with all of you. As mentioned at the brunch, the VAC is creating a volunteer recognition program. We are very excited about this! More details will follow soon. The VAC is hosting the “Conversations with…” meeting on May 14. Nadine Wenig, Lead Assistance Dog Trainer, will expand on our previous Lily is a TOUCH therapy dog and Leader of the Pack discussion. She will discuss canine body language and her handler is Kay Schmidt. They stress, as well as how dogs learn. We look forward to seeing you there! visit patients at St. Clare Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Some of the TOUCH teams that visit St. Louis Children’s Hospital were Last fall, Lily was given the featured on KSDK earlier this year. You can check out the story on opportunity to audition for the role www.ksdk.com. Click on local, making a difference section and look for of Sandy in the musical production the story “four legged therapists helping kids with cancer.” of Annie at Barat Academy in Chesterfield. She demonstrated her Would you like to show your support for SDI by wearing logoed apparel? basic obedience skills and did so You can purchase directly from Lands End. The website is well, she was cast in the role. Lily http://ces.landsend.com/VolunteersatSDI. You can choose the style you started rehearsals after the winter like and your order will be shipped directly to your home or office. break, where she enjoyed working with the cast of high school The VAC is looking for new members. If you are interested, send us an students. During her three email and we will give you more details. Come join us! performances this spring, Lily [email protected] followed all her cues on stage. After the final show, Lily took a bow with Annie to a standing ovation! Volunteer Advisory Council Members Upcoming Events at Support Dogs Jo Ann Bane Debbie Caplin May 14th – Conversations With… Meeting Steve Dedrickson “Canine Body Language & Stress/How Dogs Learn” Jim Ellis (Chair) May 16th – New Volunteer Orientation Christine Figge (Chair Elect) June 6th – TOUCH Temperament Evaluations Georgann Griffin th Sharon Johnson June 18 – New Volunteer Orientation Shelley Newman (Secretary) nd June 22 – Dogs in the Ruff Golf Tournament Kay Schmidt July 18th – TOUCH Temperament Evaluations Sue Weick August 15th – Trivia Night Lynn Widmer Patty Zubal Please contact the Support Dogs office at 314-997-2325 or Contact the Volunteer Advisory [email protected] for more information and to RSVP for the Council at the following email if listed events. you are interested in joining the team. [email protected] Talk to the Paw page 3 Safety National Dog Walkers In the fall of 2010, Safety National employees began volunteering to walk the service dogs in the kennel at SDI. Still going strong, more than four years later, the volunteers go over during their lunch break and get the dogs out for some much needed exercise. The rotation of walkers consists of about 30 employees and each employee walks the dogs approximately once each month. This volunteerism fits with the community and philanthropy mission of Safety National, which has a primary focus on health and social services, education and community activities. Thanks to the Safety National employees for participating in the kennel enrichment program! Here are some comments from the Safety National walkers: Dave Baiter – “My favorite part is interacting with the dogs during play time. The happiness they exude is contagious and can only make your day better.” Laura Bennett – “I like walking the support dogs because I can give back to the community and the dogs make me happy (no matter what kind of day I’m having) - both in one lunch break!” Ben Prange – “The most rewarding part about walking the dogs is seeing them transform from playful puppies when they first arrive, to well-trained services dogs, fully capable to help those in need.” Nick Regelski – “Walking at lunchtime provides a great escape during the day to enjoy a little time with the friendly support dogs.” Barb Seevers – “Dog walking is a perfect blend of doing something helpful, healthful, and fun – now there’s balance!” Amanda Stellhorn – “It always puts a big smile on my face to see how excited the dogs get as soon as we open the door and they instantly know it’s walk/play time!” From left to right: Chris Meis, Sahra Stewart, Jennifer Isaac, Scott Vaccaro, Sahra Stewart – “I enjoy Support Dogs because it warms my Steve Sicking, Dave Baiter, Nick Regelski, Bill Fletcher, Angela Scoby, Tonya Smetak, heart seeing the dogs and being a part of a great Julie Kliethermes, Amanda Stellhorn, Steve Lynn, Rita Bachelier, Mike Williams, organization.” Kristen Lears, Laura Bennett, Barb Seevers, Linda Tippett, Marc Welliver, Ryan Gresco, Ben Prange, Shelley Newman The 2015 Tacky Ball – Dogs Volunteers at Work! Jennifer Nomanbhoy with dog, Luna Linda Rau with dog, Lucy, Jim Voss and Georgann Griffin and Shelley Newman Sue Suddarth, Chris Groff, Ryan Metcalf, Candace Metcalf, Patty Zubal and Beth Biondo Belle Barnard with dog, Arlo and Karen Bellville with dog, Beck Rob Verbarg with dog, Raina Allison White Cindy Perez with dog, Chip with dog, Pepper Sharon Dozier with dog, Oshie Guests with Alan and JoAnne Travis with Florence Pankiewicz and Julie Ebrecht and dog, Charlie Chan Debbie Caplin with dog, Sookie Ken Bezeau Suni Grue .