We are so grateful for our favorite furry volunteers! For nearly 5 years, the Be An Angel Therapy Dog owners have been a steady volunteer presence at OCC. Twice a month like clockwork, the dogs eagerly await the buses arrival so they can greet their small humans. Naturally, fast friendships are formed since all “Be An Angel Therapy Dogs” have gentle and loving natures by virtue of also being registered Therapy Dogs.
Dog owners James and Debra Harsh have been volunteering at OCC since 2011. They reflect on sweet memories of our OCC kids loving on these pets describing the special bond formed between the dogs and many of the children. Debra shares,
“When the kids get off the bus, they remember – they come straight over and greet the dogs by name.”
On cold days, she said, the youngest of children cuddle with the dogs in their beds under the security of the giant sycamore tree in the picnic area. Other children simply pet the dogs during every moment of free time. The pets are a wonderful way to bring calm into the lives of our tempest-tossed OCC kids – if even for a few moments and the owners are blessed to be able to share their most treasured friendships.
Special thanks to our faithful friends at Be An Angel Therapy Dogs, what a blessing you have been to many hundreds of children.