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For more information on the Therapy Dog
Program, please contact the Advocacy Center.
Children's Advocacy Center
103 Poindexter
Cleburne, Texas 76033
Phone: 817-558-1599
Fax: 817-556-3020
E-Mail about Therapy Dogs
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Judy Schumpert
and
Georgie, our first Therapy Dog |
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Kimberly, Sharon and
their dog Sadie |
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Mary Jane Clements and
Roxxi |
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Our Therapy Dog Program
continues to grow and has now been recognized across the nation.
The American Prosecutor's Research Institute interviewed staff,
Team members and Therapy Dog Volunteers regarding this very
special program and the story of our dogs has now been published
in their national journal in a two part series. The Center
has received phone calls from Michigan, Colorado, California and
Idaho's prosecutor's offices asking about how to get a program
like this started in their areas.
Our Center is the first in Texas to have their dogs accompanying
children in court and in the interview room. |
Sharon Creel and
CeeZee-our first dog to go to court and to be in the interview
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Many dogs
have accompanied children in court across the state, but we are
the first Center to do this. The dogs
are doing an amazing job helping to soothe the children. There is always anxiety
that goes with telling their traumatic stories. These very
special dogs seem to respond effortlessly to each child’s needs. |
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Judy Schumpert and Esso |
Some of
our dogs love to play ball while others will lay quietly at a child’s
feet just waiting to be petted. The children always have their
undivided attention and love. It is very heart warming to see a child
that is scared and nervous respond to an affectionate dog, waiting at
the door, wagging his tail, and ready to engage them in play.
We are so proud of the
program here in Johnson County and owe a huge debt of gratitude to
our dog handlers that commit their time and energy toward our
cause and make themselves readily available to the child victims
we serve. |
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We have had one new dog join our Therapy
Dog Program this quarter. Cooper is a two year old King George
Cavalier that recently took and passed his Therapy Dog
International evaluation test. Cooper is owned by Ann and Earl
Minter of Burleson. |
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Sharon Creel
is our Therapy Dog trainer that helps owner’s prepare their dogs
for testing and she is currently working with a couple of other
handlers who have dogs that they feel will be good Therapy Dogs.
We appreciate all the time Sharon puts into volunteering with her
dogs as well as assisting in providing classes and training for
potential Therapy Dogs. I would also like to commend our
other handlers (Judy Schumpert, Mary Jane Clements, Sharon
Conrad, Kimberly Conrad, and Pennie Roof) for volunteering their time
and their wonderful dogs. |
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Pennie Roof and Gidget |
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The wonderful thing about our handlers is that they serve our
community is so many wonderful ways by serving child victims,
working in hospitals, nursing home and school settings. They are
doing amazing work across our county and several other counties.
If you would like more information about the Therapy Dog Program,
please contact the Children’s Advocacy Center.
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