KINDLY CANINES
This organization is an all-volunteer group of handlers and their dogs founded in 2003 by Marti Heater. OUR MISSION: Therapy dog teams will provide unconditional acceptance and support to those who desire canine contact through furry creative and educational activities and programs. HOW IT ALL BEGAN: Marti Heater, founder, relocated from the Quakertown area to Chambersburg in 2003 with her two dogs, Sammi, an 11 year old Golden Retriever and Callie, a 3 year old English Setter. In 2001, Marti placed her Mother-in-Law in a nursing home for special post-surgery care. On her first night, Callie then a one year old puppy went to see "Grandmom". Once they arrived, there were other dogs from the local Therapy Dog Group called PAWS with PATIENCE, who were there on their scheduled monthly visit. Marti’s Mother-in-Law began laughing and hugging the visiting dogs in her bed. The other residents also really enjoyed the dogs. Marti and her dogs were hooked! Having researched the Chambersburg area before they relocated, Marti worked to qualify as a "Tester/Observer" with Therapy Dogs, Inc. It was clear that a very large need existed in the area and she had two dogs that were anxious to start working. KINDLY CANINES MEMBERSHIP FEATURES:
- Established monthly events.
- Flexibility in choosing what events you want to attend.
- As a group, learn and grow together.
- Support group to guide you through membership process.
- PAWS WHO CARE: Canine therapists offer visits to patients and residents at
nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
- DARE TO CARE: Hospice visits.
- READING TO A KINDLY CANINE - this is a support program for children of all ages who will benefit from unconditional acceptance and companionship when reading. No team member or dog will laugh, correct, or snicker at misspoken words, stuttering, or the child’s reading skills.
- KIDZ TO CANINES: A junior handler program for ages 12 to 17. Handlers ages 12 to 15 must be accompanied at all times by a certified ATD Handler and ages 16 and 17 are not required to be accompanied. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A THERAPY DOG?
- Dog is at least one year old and has a relationship with the handler for at least 6 months.
- Remains calm around people, distractions, and other dogs.
- Knows basic commands.
- Ejoys interactions with people.
- Allows strangers to pet them.
- Is at ease around medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers and canes.
- Complete the required Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) documentation.
- Completion of a background check.
- Upon completion of ATD paperwork, contact a recommended local ATD Tester/Observer. Completed paperwork is submitted to ATD for certification approval.
- Approved ATD certified teams are the eligible for membership with KINDLY CANINES>
KINDLY CANINES: Handlers and dogs are teams certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Alliance of Therapy Dogs is a national organization headquartered in Cheyenne, WY. For more information: www.therapydogs.com. YOU WILL FIND US AT:
SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES - Chambersburg Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation, Laurel Lakes Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation, Menno Haven Rehabilitation Center, Michaux Manor, Paramount Senior Living, Providence Senior Living, South Mountain Restoration Center
LIBRARIES - Greencastle: Lilian S. Besore; Chambersburg: Coyle, Grove; Shippensburg: Coy; Fort Loudon: Community
PUBLIC SCHOOLS - Benjamin Chambers Elementary School, Fayetteville Elementary, Andrew Buchanan Elementary, Greencastle Elementary, Hamilton Heights Elementary, Scotland Elementary, Waynesboro Fairview Elementary, Chambersburg Area Middle School North, Chambersburg Area Middle School South, Chambersburg Area High School, Migrant Children Program
COLLEGES - Shippensburg University: Wellness Center, Annual Health & Wellness Fair, Semester End De-stress; Hagerstown Community College: Semester End De-Stress; Penn State Mont Alto: Semester End De-Stress
HOSPITALS - Martinsburg VA Hospital, WellSpan Chambersburg Radiation Center, WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital Stroke Victims Support Group
COURTHOUSE - Franklin County Courthouse in Chambersburg, Over the Rainbow Children's Advocacy Center, Franklin County Bar Association Young Lawyers Day
EVENTS - Chambersburg: AppleFest, Fido's First Friday, Autism Awareness Fair; Shippensburg: Furry Fun Days
OTHERS - Franklin County Head Start, Occupational Services Inc. (OSI) Community Fair & Picnic, Walmart Community Safety Fair
If you have a need for our therapy dog services or you and your dog are interested becoming members of Kindly Canines, you can "Contact Us" by emailing kindlycaninespres@gmail.com or by sending us a message using Facebook Messenger. KINDLY CANINES maintains that all teams are registered by and comply with the rules and guidelines of the Alliance Dogs, Inc., a national organization headquartered in Cheyenne, WY. For more information: www.therapydogs.com
With a philosophy of, “changing tears to smiles and fear to wonder,” lives are touched and friends are made. KINDLY CANINES is a registered non-profit 501(c)3 corporation. Please consider making a donation (kindlycanines.org/donate/). Your donations are greatly appreciated and are tax-deductible under 501(c)3. Submitted to Kindly Canines, c/o Chantal Wagner, 251 Pin Oak Lane, Shippensburg, PA 17257.Every donation makes a difference.
