K9's and Friends

Goal:  To inform residents of South Central Nebraska about Mental Health and Wellness and to Facilitate Access to Appropriate Services.
Objective: To educate about mental health and wellness issues and link people to mental Health and wellness resources.

Organization and proposed project:

K9’s & Friends was founded in June 2007 by Michie Burmester, Denise Ferguson and Michelle Hultine as a result of a common interest in sharing the limitless enjoyment and benefit of utilizing dogs in the enrichment of others lives. Since that time our group has grown to some 15 plus pet partners (a pet partner is a human and a dog that works together as a team).  We have gone from a loosely organized to a more structured and comprehensive group.  To ensure that safety is top priority in our activities, K9’s & Friends requires each dog and handler pass certain certifications before the first visit in the community.  Dogs must have passed a basic obedience class taught by a certified or professional trainer  AND have received the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate.  K-9’s & Friends require all dogs to achieve addition certification from Pet Partners, TD inc, or TD intl with in 2 years of starting visits. 

The mission of K-9’s & Friends is the following:

1. To have fun and share the dogs with the community
2. To provide education regarding safe interactions with dogs
3. To promote responsible dog ownership
4. To promote the awareness of the benefits of pet partner interactions as it relates to physical and mental health.

 

In the process of accomplishing our mission k-9’s and Friends then allows for many additional opportunities to present to groups and individuals we work with.  The ultimate goal then becomes to allow unfamiliar people to make physical contact with the dog.  The dog is trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, senior care homes, structured living environments and schools.  Many dogs are also trained to provide support and comfort to those with learning disabilities or individuals in stressful situations after disasters’ have occurred.

Our dogs (and their partners!) come in all sizes and breeds.  The most important characteristic of a therapy dog is temperament.  The dogs must be friendly, patient, confident, at ease in all situations and gentle.  They must enjoy human contact and be content to be petted and handled, sometimes in a clumsy and awkward manner.  The members are required to have proof of their dog’s health exams, licenses, immunizations and vaccinations to ensure diligence in practicing infection control and risk management. All Teams must carry liability insurance on their dogs.

Your generous donations will help us continue our work in the future and expand to help others.