As the post-holiday sales wrap-up, and retailers pack away their holiday decorations for the year, it seems that the holiday gifts, food and decorations are immediately replaced with red heart-shaped boxes, pink stuffed teddy bears and images of cupid with his signature bow and arrow. For women, there is a more important reason to think about their hearts in the month in February, aside from the sentimental, candy-laden Valentine’s Holiday.
SFI was in the news recently with a piece that focused on pet visits to SUNY Oswego! Read the full story.
The American Kennel Club recently launched a new program to recognize AKC dogs and their owners who volunteer as therapy dog teams by awarding an official AKC Therapy Dog Title. From the AKC’s website:
“The AKC Therapy Dog title (THD) can be earned by dogs who have been certified by AKC recognized therapy dog organizations and have performed 50 or more community visits.”
Sunshine Friends, Inc. is pleased to announce that we are one of the AKC’s recognized therapy dog organizations. To learn more about the program requirements please visit:
2009 marks a major milestone for Sunshine Friends: 10 years of incorporation! We are very pleased to be continuing our work to uphold the mission we were incorporated under a decade ago. Founded by 3 dedicated volunteers, SFI started its first year with 10 volunteers visiting 4 locations during a time when we had to work hard to convince facilities that it was a good idea to allow therapy pets in to visit with their residents. Now, in 2009 we have over 160 teams visiting more than 800 people every month throughout 5 counties. Our volunteers all know what a difference the human-animal bond can make in someone’s life but our remarkable growth over the past 10 years is tangible proof that the community as a whole has come to realize the benefits as well.
Sunshine Friends, Inc. (SFI) is excited to announce that our first session of classes began on February 22, 2009 and has been great fun for both human and canine students! The classes are held at 2pm at the CNYSPCA in the education wing (see www.cnyspca.org for address, map and directions.)
All proceeds from each class are donated directly to SFI to support our ongoing programming. There are six classes in a session. You can choose to take all of the classes consecutively, or just sign up for the classes you have an interest in. There is a six dog maximum for each class, please register early to reserve your spot!
The class registration form is available here.
Class Prerequisite: Before joining the class, your dog must know his or her name, as well as how to sit and lie down on command.