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News Archives: 2002 - 2005

Mayor's Walk for Volunteerism 2005

September 17, 2005

Ottawa Therapy Dog members and their dogs came out on a beautiful, sunny day on Saturday September 10 to participate in the Mayor's Walk for Volunteerism. After registering and listening to the Mayor's address, all walkers were piped onto the streets by the Cameron Highlanders. We completed a delightful 5 km. walk along the canal and returned to City Hall to receive our Certificates of Participation. Ottawa Therapy Dog members raised $957.00 which will be split in half between OTD and Volunteer Ottawa. OTD would like to extend a big thank you to all our walkers, their friends, and therapy dogs for collecting pledges and completing the walk: Lynn, Barb, Carol, Sharon, Julianne, Monique, Terry, Marion, Margot, Meg, Taunya and Larry, and Natalie.

A special thank you is also extended to Marilyn for staffing our display table inside City Hall. This was the debut of our brand new professional display board, with new visual materials developed for it, with the help of Lynn, Danielle and John. As well, this event marked the first public exposure of our new logo, which was developed pro bono for us by Lois from Minto. Congratulations to Lynn, Danielle, John and Lois! Our display board attracted wonderful feedback at the Mayor’s Walk for its content, layout and fantastic new logo.

A New Member AND Veterinary Consultant for OTD

June 24, 2005

Dr. Sandra Lefebvre, DVM, of Ontario Veterinary College at Guelph University, has joined Ottawa Therapy Dogs as our newest member AND as our Veterinarian Consultant. Sandi has just received a large grant to continue her research in zoonoses and therapy animal programs. Ottawa Therapy Dogs has supported her research last summer. We are participating in two new studies recently inaugurated. We are pleased to welcome Sandi to OTD and thrilled that she holds us in such high regard for our proactive approaches to Infection Control for our Program, our clients and our dogs.

Community Foundation of Ottawa Supports OTD

June 22, 2005

Ottawa Therapy Dogs is delighted to announce that our application for funding has been approved by the Community Foundation of Ottawa. We will be receiving a grant to purchase materials for our members who volunteer with their therapy dogs using the R.E.A.D.^® Program (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) in schools and libraries. R.E.A.D. is a valuable application of Animal Assisted Therapy.

Intermountain Therapy Animals of Salt Lake City Utah, launched R.E.A.D. in 1999 as the first comprehensive literacy program built around the appealing idea of having children read to dogs. Dogs are ideal reading companions because they: help increase relaxation and lower blood pressure, listen attentively, do not judge, laugh or criticize, allow children to proceed at their own pace, and are less intimidating than peers. The R.E.A.D. Program has been shown to improve the reading and communication skills of children in elementary schools; as well it improves the self-esteem and social skills of participants. Ottawa Therapy Dogs is proud to have the first Canadian R.E.A.D. team, and we are hoping to expand this program to provide services to more children who experience reading difficulties.

Ottawa Therapy Dogs would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Community Foundation of Ottawa for their generous grant, which will enable us to financially support our R.E.A.D. members.

OTD Annual General Meeting 2005

May 24, 2005

What a successful night! Held at the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre on May 4, over 50 members, funders and supporters turned out to help us celebrate our successes of the past year. The highlight of the evening was the key note address by Dr. Sandra Lefebvre of the University of Guelph. Over the past year, a number of OTD teams have participated in Dr. Lefebvre’s research project about the potential health risks of/to dogs visiting in hospital settings. Dr. Lefebvre shared her findings with us and was highly complimentary of OTD's policies and practices concerning epidemiology.

We thanked a number of funders and supporters who have generously given to further our work this year:

• Best Friends - for donating time and space for our evaluations of potential new teams
• Julianne Labreche - for donating a portion of the proceeds from her book "The Woman Who Lost Her Words"
• Teresa LeGrand - for designing, developing and maintaining OTD’s web site
• Peter Mirsky and Leimark Developments Ltd. - for the generous contribution which enables us to develop and expand our programs
• Bruce McKittrick and Branch 593 of the Royal Canadian Legion - for their generous donation used to celebrate the extensive work of our volunteers and to cover the costs of the AGM
• Particularly of note was the contribution made by Catherine Shea, Director of Marketing, on behalf of Minto Developments. In celebration of Minto's 50th anniversary, we have been honoured with a $5000 donation to further the community work of OTD.

We were also able to thank and acknowledge our very own members: Receiving five-year certificates were John Rathier, Martina Methot and Joker, Julie Wilson and Nellie, and Julianne Labreche and Paugan. Thanks to all of you for helping us to help the community!

Barbara White was named Volunteer of the Year this year for her endless efforts on the fundraising front! Congratulations, Barb and a special thank you for your valuable contribution to the Board and to OTD!

We did it again!

April 24, 2005

Another successful Garage Sale at Canterbury Community Centre raised pennies shy of $480.00. Lots of member help went into this and gave members a chance to get together in different ways. Many supported with donations of stuff to sell, in fact five carloads! All that had to be sorted, priced and re-packed so the work crew had lots of fun sorting treasures a few days prior to the sale itself. Sale day brought out a large number of members and family helpers to move everything to Canterbury. Special thanks to the crew who turned out at 8:00 A.M., as well as everyone who staffed the table for the rest of the day. Special thanks to Terry Hoskin who was the Supervisor along with being "The Count" for the entire day!

Minto Supports Ottawa Therapy Dogs!

April 2, 2005

Minto, one of North America's leading real estate development companies is celebrating 50 years in business during 2005. To mark their 50th anniversary, Minto is saying thank you to the community that contributed to its success in a very unique way. For 50 weeks starting in January 2005, Minto will be donating $5,000 each week to a different local charity. Ottawa Therapy Dogs applied for one of these grants and was fortunate to be selected as the recipient for week 13 of the 50 Charities-50 Weeks Donations Program. OTD was featured on the Minto website and was profiled in the April 2nd edition of the Ottawa Citizen.

Ottawa Therapy Dogs is honoured and pleased to have been selected from over 250 applying charities to receive this donation. By awarding us this grant, and publishing our charities activities, each therapy dog team-and all our non-handler members have really been acknowledged and applauded for the outstanding work that they do for the local community. To the Greenberg family at Minto, we extend heartfelt appreciation to you for your incredible generosity!

Royal Canadian Legion Recognizes OTD's Commitment to Veterans

March 15, 2005

The Royal Canadian Legion, Bells Corners Branch 593 has made a generous donation to Ottawa Therapy Dogs in recognition of our therapy dog visits to veterans during the past ten years. Marilyn Benoit began therapy dog visits with veterans at the National Defence Medical Centre in 1995 and our visits have since followed to The Perley and Rideau Veterans'’ Health Centre when it opened in 1996. OTD currently has eight teams visiting with the veterans on a weekly basis. Some teams visit veterans exclusively on both the Gatineau and Rideau wings of the Centre, as well as some of the patients who require a higher level of care in the Ottawa wing. OTD extends our deep appreciation to Bruce McKittrick, the President of the Bells Corners Legion, and the members of the Executive Committee who unanimously approved this donation to Ottawa Therapy Dogs.

Leimerk Developments Ltd. supports OTD development!

February 17, 2005

Ottawa Therapy Dogs would like to express gratitude and appreciation to Leimerk Developments Ltd. for their generous financial contribution which will be used to further develop, expand and promote our programs and community work. A special thank you, also, to Catherine and Peter Mirsky for initiating this appeal on our behalf.

OTD Donation Box on the Move

October 2004

Ottawa Therapy Dogs' hand painted wooden donation box has found a temporary home for the month of October. Thanks to the generosity of Lynne Freitag from the Framing and Art Centre at the Towngate Shopping Centre, 2446 Bank Street, in Ottawa South, we will have more funds raised on our behalf. Lynne is a real dog lover, and is going to encourage her customers to support our cause. Thank you Lynne!

Mayor's Walk for Volunteerism

September 13, 2004

The Second Annual Mayor's Walk for Volunteerism took place on Saturday, September 11. It started out from Festival Plaza, City Hall and followed a scenic 3.5 km. route around the Rideau Canal. A total of fifteen Ottawa Therapy Dogs' members and their dogs joined together and walked as a team. Some of our other members set up our display booth, where the public was able to drop by and learn about the great work that we do in the community. It was a beautiful day for walking and it was fun to meet other OTD members and their dogs. Congratulations to everyone who participated, and thank you to all those who supported us with their pledges. Our members are proud to have raised over $1600.00; which will be shared between Volunteer Ottawa and Ottawa Therapy Dogs!

Ottawa Therapy Dogs Spends a Day at the Ex

August 31, 2004

Surrounded by fluffy felines, exotic birds and slithery snakes, Ottawa Therapy Dogs enjoyed a sunny day in late August strutting our stuff at the Ottawa Exhibition. The invitation arrived in early August, with Ex organizers wondering if OTD would like to set up a display booth at Petfest, an event geared to fun and teaching about the animal kingdom. Despite a tight deadline, holidays and hectic summer schedules, OTD teams volunteered with their usual enthusiasm. Many volunteers reported later that their time at the Ex was busy, fun and worthwhile.

Heather Anderson Paints OTD Donation Box

August 12, 2004

Ottawa Therapy Dog members would like to sincerely thank Heather Anderson for generously donating her time and talent to paint our donation box. Heather's beautiful work will certainly enhance all our public displays and is guaranteed to attract attention, and many positive comments. Heather is a widely acclaimed Canadian animal artist whose work includes paintings and portraits of horses, dogs and cats in watercolour, as well as prisma prints and notecards. Please take the time to visit Heather's online gallery at www.kelpiestudio.com and see many samples of her exquisite work; including a gallery devoted to the Shetland Sheepdog.

Volunteer Ottawa / Ottawa Therapy Dogs

May 5, 2004

On May 5 Ottawa Therapy Dogs was accepted as a Member Agency with Volunteer Ottawa. As a Member Agency, Volunteer Ottawa will help us find volunteers for a variety of positions with OTD. Our affiliation allows us to attend conferences put on by Volunteer Ottawa at a reduced rate. We will participate in a fundraiser in The Mayor’s Annual Walkathon for Volunteers on September 11, 2004.

Ottawa-Carleton Credit Union Helps!

April 30, 2004

All members of Ottawa Therapy Dogs gratefully acknowledge and accept the financial support we are currently receiving from the Ottawa-Carleton Credit Union. Employees of the Credit Union at nine branches will donate money to Ottawa Therapy Dogs on "Jean Days," and this will continue for a six-month period, ending September 30, 2004. Members who bank at the Credit Union may also donate to Ottawa Therapy Dogs. Credit Unions are actively involved in their communities, providing both financial and personal assistance to a wide variety of charities. Thank you on behalf of our volunteers and their dogs!

* UPDATE * - October 5, 2004: Ottawa Therapy Dogs members would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Lisa Hache, Human Resources/Training Manager for Your Credit Union. Lisa organized a fundraising campaign on our behalf at all nine branches of the Credit Union for Jeans Days. A grand total of $185 was raised by employees and members of the Credit Union. Thank you Lisa for your initiative on our behalf, and thank you to everyone who contributed money to Ottawa Therapy Dogs.

Ottawa Therapy Dogs First Fund-Raiser a Success!

April 27, 2004

Ottawa Therapy Dogs was represented by a dozen-member team who unloaded three carloads of donated items for the Canterbury Community Centre's Giant Garage Sale. The table was well-identified under the banner created and donated by Adup Corporation. Other Members arrived with coffee to refresh and revive hardworking volunteers who were pressed by throngs of eager shoppers. Therapy Dog Handlers learned new skills as hawkers of goods and had lots of fun and chuckles, all in aid of raising dollars to support the work of Ottawa Therapy Dogs. Thanks to the many Members and friends who donated goods for the sale.

Ottawa Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OCAPDD) at Loeb Centre

April 16, 2004

All members of Ottawa Therapy Dogs extend our appreciation to Mr. Kevin Lamont, from Educational and Training Services, Loeb Centre, O.C.A.P.D.D. Mr. Lamont was happy to supply Ottawa Therapy Dogs with a hand crafted wooden donation box to assist us with our fundraising endeavours. Thanks Kevin! We hope everyone at the Loeb Centre continues to enjoy visits from Ottawa Therapy Dog volunteer Claire Heistek and her Scotch Collie, Tobie.

Ottawa Therapy Dog Fund-Raiser

February 2004

Barbara White has agreed to help Ottawa Therapy Dogs by becoming our Interim Fund-Raiser. Barb has taken a course at Algonquin College in this field and brings her new knowledge and enthusiasm to this task. Barb and her Australian Shepherd, Shadow, have been Members since 2003 and are visiting at Harmer House's Day Programs in Bell’s Corners.

Registered Charity!

November 28, 2003

Ottawa Therapy Dogs has been granted status as a Charitable Organization as of November 28 2003. We have been an incorporated not-for-profit charity in the Province of Ontario since May of 2003. Locally active since 1999, our agency continues to grow in numbers of teams and facilities serving the national capital area. Our teams are as active as far afield as BC!

Animal Assisted Therapy

September 2003

For nearly two years now Ottawa Therapy Dogs member and speech therapist, Julianne Labreche, has been experimenting with innovative speech-therapy treatment sessions for patients with aphasia. The sessions involve the active participation of her fun-loving Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Paugan. Julianne put a therapy kit together called "Best Friends: Therapy Dogs Helping Aphasic Adults". It was published in 2002 by Primrose Court Publications and quickly sold out. A second edition is in press and will be available by e-mailing: jlabreche@magma.ca. Visit Julianne’s Web site for further information. (Sorry, the web site is no longer active).

This year, Julianne and Paugan partnered with Dr. Linda Garcia and Caroline Lafrance at the University of Ottawa in a research project on animal assisted therapy. The research has provided some empirical data supporting Julianne’s experience that Paugan actually helped to improve the client’s communication skills. (Go to the article "A Very Pawsitive Partnership".)

TDI Certified Evaluator in Ottawa

October 2002

As of October 2002, Ottawa Therapy Dogs (the Ottawa Chapter of Therapy Dogs International or TDI) has its own TDI-Certified Evaluator, Catherine Mirsky. Catherine has been an active member of Ottawa Therapy dogs since 2000. She is a professional dog obedience trainer and handler. Thank you, Catherine, for your wonderful work.

OTD Member Awarded Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal

September 2002

Terry Hoskin was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal by Commissioner Zaccardelli in a special ceremony in September 2002 at the St. Elias Center in Ottawa, in recognition of his active and dedicated service as a long time member of the RCMP and his exceptional contributions as a volunteer at the Rideau/Perley Veterans Home. Terry and his red dachshund, Finnigan, participate weekly in the Alzheimer programme. Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada created this commemorative Medal, on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s ascension to the throne.