The invitation to this event was extended to all known Moore County therapy dog handlers – past (last eight years!) and present. 15 dogs and about 30 people attended the ceremony in the beautiful Healing Gardens at The Clara McLean House (FirstHealth). We are so grateful to Rebecca Ainslie and The Healing Gardens volunteers for providing such a meaningful venue for us.
The service was lead by and the Blessing graciously given by Rev John Talk of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Southern Pines.
We acknowledged the memory of all therapy dogs who are no longer with us. Owners of those dogs brought a favorite photo of their sweet dog to hold and show. We remembered Cinder, Stubben, Tux, Chinook, Abby and Suni at the event. Our current therapy dog activities in Moore County stand on the shoulders of the teams that have gone before.
We also honored our retired therapy dogs. We were thrilled to see some of them at the event – Abby, Tess, Elvis, Buddy and Blue. They received the Blessing.
Father John lovingly blessed all our current therapy dogs who continue to serve……. these dogs serve in our schools as part of the Pet Responsibility Committee’s Education Program, the Reading Tails program or in other capacities with challenged students. There are also dogs who visit Hospice, FirstHealth and other care facilities. Other dogs have served as “comfort” dogs during times of community distress.
Sparky, Grace, Beanie, Bee, Hogan, Gabe, Max, Lily, Deke and Bonnie all received the Blessing.
It was a wonderful way to acknowledge and celebrate our wonderful therapy dog teams!
Bee Daughtry and her owner, Edris, closed the service with a bowed head prayer!
Ed Pieczynski, PRC photographer, captured the event with the photos below. John Hartlove also provided some photos.
