Donna & Suzy Snowflake

As Memorial Day approaches, I would like to remember Donna Price.  It was just last June, 2011 when Creatures and Kids lost one of our volunteers to cancer.  I am just now able to write about my friend without tears falling on my keyboard.  Donna was one of the those people who was always ready to volunteer to help, whether it was taking her therapy dog Suzy Snowflake on visits or helping at events, such as evaluations / certifications for other new teams.  She was proud to wear her Creatures and Kids logo wear and often told anyone who would listen about our organization.  She never failed to flash a big smile and say, “Thank you for letting me volunteer with you today!”  But I would like to say, “Thank you, Donna, for being part of Creatures and Kids and letting us be a part of your life.”  –  Loretta

When: Saturday, June 2, 2012, starting at 10:00 am
Where: PETCO, 324 South Bryant, Edmond, OK 73034

Don’t miss out! CKI will evaluate and certify animal therapeutic teams. All evaluation times will be scheduled, so please contact us by filling out our on-line volunteer form and enter “June 2, 2012 Certification” in the Comments section.

A special thank you to PETCO for providing the venue.

When: Saturday, October 22, 2011, starting at 10:00 am
Where: PETCO, 324 South Bryant, Edmond, OK 73034

Don’t miss out! CKI will evaluate and certify animal therapeutic teams. All evaluation times will be scheduled, so please contact us by filling out our on-line volunteer form and enter “October 22, 2011 Certification” in the Comments section.

A special thank you to PETCO for providing the venue.

Learn the many ways to incorporate animals toward improving human quality of life.  Nursing CME hours are being applied for by Integris Health.  To learn more, click on the links below.

• Workshop flyer
• Registration form
• Integris Press Release

Dr. Mosca has been making a big impact in Oklahoma with his therapy animals.

First was “Boz” — a beautiful boxer from Tulsa Boxer Rescue. Sadly, Boz passed away in July, 2009.

Still grieving over the loss of his much-loved Boz, Dr. Mosca relented and welcomed a new Boxer named “Spike” into his home. Spike comes from Red Dirt Boxer Rescue. They quickly became fast friends.

Dr. Mosca immediately started Spike’s training and together they passed their therapy team certification on November 7th. Spike goes to Dr Mosca’s office each day and the team visits patients three days a week at Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation.

Most Tuesdays
6:30 – 7:30 pm

The first and third Tuesday evening each month is a special time at the Edmond Library.  Children enhance their reading skills by reading to certified therapy dogs.  The program is fun for both children and animals!

Sessions last approximately 15-20 minutes.

In the photo, Bailey enjoys his time with Elexis.

Click here to learn more.

Debbie knew Two Spot when she was only a baby and often held her in her lap the first 6 months of her life.

Two Spot’s size and Debbie’s gentle guidance made her a natural for PAT.  Debbie routinely takes the little horse to local nursing homes – to the delight of their residents.  Two Spot has special permission to walk right in and visit with those who come out of their rooms to see her.

We all know that laughter is good medicine, but did you know the simple act of reaching out to stroke soft fur or using a brush to groom an animal can lower blood pressure, improve range of motion and strengthen weak muscles.

Sometimes it even helps sooth a child who is sad or helps teach the importance of humane treatment toward animals.

It gives us great pleasure to announce that Debbie and Two Spot will be volunteering their time and services on behalf of Creatures And Kids.  They bring another dimension to the CKI therapy teams and prove therapy animals don’t have to be dogs!  They can even be horses!

“As a child, I spent many hours in the barn laying on my horse’s back while my dad milked our cow and did other chores. It was our special time together.

Dad has been gone for years and I have missed him like crazy.  Since Two Spot has come into my life, I feel a calm security that Dad and I are spending time together again.  It is a joy that I thought had been lost.

Now, if Two Spot can help other people feel any kind of joy, it will add to my pleasure in life.”

- Debbie L