Support Shakespeare's Therapy Dog Training

Being a firefighter for more than 30 years, I've witnessed and experienced a lot of changes in the fire service. A significant change happening now is the focus on mental health for emergency responders doing this job day in and day out. Not every call involves trauma and tragedy but many do. It can take a toll on the individuals called to respond, not to mention the people in need of emergency services. Research indicates that interactions with therapy dogs can significantly reduce stress levels and foster feelings of comfort among persons experiencing traumatic situations.

This past January, our daughter, an educator employed at Perry Community School District in Perry, Iowa, was one of many in the school district and community affected by an active shooter incident that tragically took the life of their principal, a student and injured many others. One of the services offered after this incident included Crises Therapy Dogs on sight. After hearing stories of how the presence of these animals positively impacted individuals, including our daughter, my spouse Cathy, and I chose to embark on a journey into this rewarding arena.

Meet Shakespeare, a five-month-old poodle with the potential to transform lives as a nationally certified therapy dog. As an embodiment of compassion and companionship, Shakespeare is currently undergoing training to prepare him for this vital role. His journey is not merely about acquiring skills; it represents a commitment to enhancing the emotional well-being of individuals in need. The significance of therapy dogs in various settings, such as fire departments, hospitals, schools, and throughout our community, underscores the importance of our mission to secure his place in this year’s training program with Crisis Canines of the Midlands.

The therapeutic benefits provided by canine companions have been widely recognized across psychological and medical fields. As a breed known for their intelligence and sociability, poodles like Shakespeare are particularly well-suited for this work. Additionally, their hypoallergenic coats also make them ideal companions for individuals who may have allergies or sensitivities to other animals.

In order to facilitate Shakespeare's enrollment in the esteemed training program offered by Crisis Canines of the Midlands, we are actively raising funds to cover necessary expenses such as vaccinations, training fees, and equipment. This initiative not only supports Shakespeare's development but also contributes to a broader cause—improving mental health within our community of emergency responders through animal-assisted therapy. We invite you to join us on this journey as we strive to empower both Shakespeare and those he will ultimately serve. We humbly ask for your support and are greatful for your consideration. We are seeking about half of what we will spend over two years. The rest of the investment will be provided by ourselves.