Therapy Dogs Bring Smiles and Laughter

Author: Breanna Bronowski-Stutsman

Published On: 07/30/2018

Smiles and laughter filled the park as furry tails from the Sit Means Sit & Go Team Therapy Dogs wagged and rolled around, providing a fun, peaceful environment to those in attendance at the 6^th Annual #NFStrong 5K Walk/Run for Neurofibromatosis in Boardman, OH on June 23^rd.

Jenn Krawchyk, the Event Chair for the Boardman, OH Walk, tells us about her experience with the team: “This year, we were very fortunate to have the Sit Means Sit & Go Team Therapy Dogs on hand for everyone. It proved to be a GREAT experience as we were able to pet the dogs and visit with them, while also learning from the amazing support staff on hand about how beneficial therapy dogs are to so many people, especially those with NF. These dogs provided comfort and helped to ease anxiety for so many on that day. The dogs also provided happy smiles, laughs, and genuine love from everyone who attended the walk, they even joined us for a few laps on the trail. It was one of the most well received things we’ve had at our walk to date. The Sit Means Sit therapy team was very informative, helpful, and kind, and we look forward to welcoming them back to our Ohio walk next year!”

The Go Team began in central Colorado when The Waldo Canyon fire took place in the summer of 2012. Clients of the Sit Means Sit Dog Training team visited displaced residents in hotels and first responders to provide both comfort and distraction. Current Executive Director, Nancy Trepagnier, and the original team of volunteers, saw the need for more therapy dog teams, and after about a year, the first Go Team was in training.

Since it’s formation, the Go Team has grown from 2 teams, containing Nancy’s two dogs, Tabor and Snickers, to over 800 teams nationwide. The Boardman team gave us memories that we know will last a lifetime, and we highly recommend them and look forward to their return next year. For more information on the Sit Means Sit & Go Team Therapy Dogs, visit their website at http://www.goteamdogs.org.