MaryAnn and Duncan
Duncan and MaryAnn Campbell began their adventure in therapy work when they were certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs in 2014. They became members of R.E.A.D (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) the same year. This is one of Duncan’s favorite things. When he gets to school and realizes where he is, he gets a spring in his step and a grin on his beautiful face. He loves lying quietly beside the children and giving occasional kisses. Duncan was featured in a piece about R.E.A.D. by the Fox affiliate in Tampa. His impact is evident in all of the happy faces.
In 2015, Duncan and MaryAnn became a HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response team. Extra training, continuing education, and yearly background checks are required to earn and keep HOPE certification. They provide comfort to first responders and victims of natural and manmade disasters.
Debbie and Scotty
Scotty started working with the Red Cross as a Therapy Dog when he was only 8 months old. he was certified as a Delta Pet Partner Therapy Dog at 12 months old. The AKC recently awarded Scotty the title of Therapy Dog Distinguished (THDD), which requires a minimum of 400 therapy visits.
As a volunteer team for the Red Cross and working with the Department of Defense and the Walter Reed National Military Hospital, Scotty and Debbie regularly visit the wounded warriors. Soldiers that have received devastating physical injuries are given smiles and hope from them. Since a dog is non-judgmental, soldiers are accepted 100% regardless of missing limbs or deformities.
Debbie and Scotty perform seminars at Walter Reed on how having a service dog can help the wounded return to a normal life, by performing tasks that they can no longer do themselves. She tells them of the confidence and independence she has gained by having a service dog at her side.
