June 2016 Newsletter

Wherever you go, I go

In the spring of 2014, shortly after Phoebe arrived in Texas, a friend on Facebook contacted us to see if we would visit a friend. You know how we like to visit so we set out to find and meet Mary.

We found her in rehab and very weak. Her friend had been correct; Mary needed some cheering up, some Phoebe comfort. That visit led to visits in the hospital, intensive care units, rehab facilities, and skilled nursing facilities. You name it, Mary was there and either through her friend or her son or a couple of times by “accident” we found her, visited with her and prayed for her strength, recovery and peace.

When Pax joined the team, he too met Mary and now she has two comfort dogs checking on her. There are few handlers on the team who haven’t met Mary. Whenever we visit her, she has her Phoebe and Pax Jr’s by her side to remind her we’re always there for her. She’s officially our own Energizer Bunny.

We love her dearly and we have to say, Mary, we won’t mind if we don’t see you for a bit. That will mean you are home where we know you want to be and able to take care of yourself!



​
All American Heroes Golf Tournament

What a great experience it was for us to be part of this event. We were joined by Katie Comfort Dog (Fremont, NE), Noah Comfort Dog (St. Louis, MO), and Rufus Comfort Dog (Edmond, OK). The five of us and our teams hit the ground running in Waco. We met more of Chris Kyle’s family and encouraged the golfers as they played their rounds. We are especially thankful for the other teams that joined us. We could never have done this by ourselves. We are also grateful to those of you who donated towards the travel fund for the out-of-state teams.

A particularly touching moment for all of the comfort dog team members was when Mr. Kyle realized the handlers were veterans. He presented each of them with a challenge coin from the event and thanked them for their service.

A side visit while we were in town for the golf tournament provided the perfect opportunity to visit the blind unit at the Veterans' center in Waco. Our Kare 9 handlers talked with the veterans in the center as well as presented them with handmade lap quilts.


​Chris Kyle Memorial Benefit

The Chris Kyle Memorial Foundation announced the 2016 recipient of their support, Spirit of a Hero, which is a non-partisan organization dedicated to providing financial, moral and community support to critically wounded service members of the United States Armed Forces. We were very encouraged by the generosity of those participating in the live and silent auctions.  From quilts to guns, people were actively involved in bidding to support the foundation. One quilt made by the women of Trinity, Riesel, TX, in connection with St. Paul and Thrivent Financial went to a family to honor their son and at the same time, honor the Kyle foundation.

What is #22KILL?

#22KILL is a global movement created by veterans with a mission to:
  • Honor those who serve(d)
  • Raise awareness to veteran suicide and mental health issues such as PTS.
  • Educate the public about current veteran-related topics and issues
Did you know that approximately 22 Veterans commit suicide each and everyday?

You can visit their website to learn more. #22KILL
Learn more about Noah Galloway (keynote speaker)