One of the most rewarding activities we have been involved in with two of our dogs is participating in therapy work. Both Benno's Miss Social Keeva CD TDIA and Noomar's Beckon Von Benja CDX ASCA CDX TDI were tested and registered with Therapy Dogs International. Each of them received both the Colonial Rottweiler Club Volunteer of the Year Seger Medallion, the American Rottweiler Club Volunteer of the Year Mirko Medallions and several ARC
T.R.U.E. and Anvil Awards.
Beckon was a good therapy dog but Keeva was the shining star. Every time I got her red TDI scarf out she got all excited and would whine, jump and spin around. She knew that red scarf meant she was going to visit her friends. On many occasions the dogs would dress up; costumes on the big black dogs would make them more approachable to some folks who were not used to dogs at all. The dogs and the folks loved it.
In addition to doing therapy visits, Keeva and Beckon also participated in many community events such as the annual Christmas Parade, Holiday on the Avenue, the Memorial Day Parade, the Fireplug 500 to benefit the Animal Protective Foundation, the Mothers March on Birth Defects to benefit March of Dimes and Canine Stride.
Keeva passed away in 2000, ten days after doing her last visit. I still have all of the sympathy cards we received. But by far the most touching tribute to this wonderful ambassador of the breed is that, almost ten years after her passing, Keeva's portrait still hangs in the lobby of the Center where she visited.
Here are some of my favorite pictures of Keeva and Beckon who will forever be in my heart.
Click
images for larger view.
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