Linda Alberda and Hardy
Linda and Hardy began their Volunteer therapy work in Jan 2012 at schools and assisted living / nursing homes, and spent time at Chardon High School following the shooting there as part of the K9 Chaplains / K9 Crisis Response Team.
The Midwest Regional Director of the Extra Mile Ministries K9 Crisis Response team had this to say:
She and her K9 Hardy have significantly contributed to the Chardon community in a profound and unforgettable way. Her selflessness during this time and her willingness to share her dog with Chardon High School is truly remarkable and worthy of so much more than I or this award, can ever give to her. Linda and K9 Hardy have represented Extra Mile Ministries, C-WAGS, and therapy dogs in general in an extraordinary and momentous way.
KEN BUCHELE and HUSKER
LAURIE BUCHELE and DAISY
Ken and Husker and Laurie and Daisy volunteer in a variety of environments - From schools' and library's reading programs to crisis response. As part of the Extra Mile Ministries' Canine Crisis Response and Comfort Dogs Team, they have walked the path of tornadoes checking on residents, talking with them, and helping them cope with the disaster. This year they spent considerable time at Chardon High School, following the shooting death of students. They are very active in the National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children and the local Cincinnati chapter.
The Cincinnati Chapter Leader had this to say:
"They offer what survivors need most .. an open ear to listen to their loved ones stories .. an open heart to sympathize and empathize with the traumatic loss that the survivor is sharing with them .. The teams of Husker with Ken and Daisy with Laurie contribute immensely to the healing process of many POMC survivors. . . We can not imagine a Conference without the love, support and compassion that comes from these teams."
In addition to the D.O.G. Team Award, Ken and Laurie have earned the President’s Volunteer Service Bronze Award. *
KENDRA BUCHELE and DAISY
Kendra and Daisy volunteer in a variety of environments - From schools' and library's reading programs to crisis response. As part of the Extra Mile Ministries' Canine Crisis Response and Comfort Dogs Team, they have walked the path of tornadoes checking on residents, talking with them and helping them cope with the disaster.
The Midwest Regional Director of the Extra Mile Ministries K9 Comfort Dogs has this to say:
"Kendra has been a priceless volunteer . . . she is a requested member of our team at these (Parents of Murdered Children) National Conferences. The children at the conference can't wait to reconnect with Kendra each summer. . . The residents at the Assisted Living Center look forward to Kendra's smile and her wonderful handing skills with Daisy during her monthly visits.
In addition to the D.O.G. Team Award, Kendra has earned the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award. *
DIANE EVERSON and AUSSIE JANE
Diane and Aussie Jane participate in animal assisted therapy. They volunteer in several different settings: Schools where they work with early childhood children and with special needs children. They work with children on improving their reading skills at four local libraries, along with visiting convalescent and hospice homes.
The Volunteer Coordinator of the Hospice organization had this to say:
"Diane and Aussie Jane always amaze me at the smiles that they bring to the faces of the residents, many of whom are suffering from serious illness or Alzheimer's disease. It is such a pleasure to see the patients petting Aussie Jane and to hear them reminisce about pets they had in the past. We are lucky to have Diane and Aussie Jane as part of our volunteer program. They have made a difference through their visits."
ANNIE SCHILLER and PREACHER
Annie and Preacher are active at a local school with their reading program HOPE (Helping One Pupil Excel) . They also are an active member the Extra Mile Ministries K9 Crisis Response Team, along with Dog Safety demonstrations and Hospital Speech Camp. Annie and Preacher visit nursing homes and attend church.
The school HOPE Coordinator had this to say:
"Often children who find reading difficult want to avoid reading altogether because they find it to be such an arduous task and may find it embarrassing to read aloud. The students' attitudes usually change, however, when they know they will be reading "with" Preacher... Not only is Preacher accepting, but he is very even-keeled and mild-mannered. This seems to create a calming atmosphere - even students who have trouble staying on-track tend to be more focused when working with Preacher. This calming effect was evident to me as I watched a student who struggles with keeping on track, stay totally engaged while reading and gently petting Preacher who lay peacefully beside her."