Newtown Special THANK YOU to the Therapy Dog Teams

Newtown Special “THANK YOU” for the Therapy Dog Teams will happen on Saturday, June 22nd from 10AM-12PM at the Newtown, Fairfield Hills Campus. Serving as Master of Ceremonies will be David Frei who is co-host, Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on USA Network and President/Founder of Angel On A Leash. Mr. Frei is well known to millions as the co-host to the live Westminster show in NYC’s Madison Square Garden and has made many appearances on “The Today Show”, “Good Morning America”, “The Early Show”, “Ellen”, “The View” and many more. He is a longtime breeder-owner-handler and judge in the world of purebred dogs; he has enjoyed much competitive success with his Afghan Hounds and Brittany’s. We are excited that he is taking the time to offer support at this event.  

Kathy Hamilton Fetchick a member of the Newtown’s Legislative Council will speak about how her children who attended Sandy Hook Elementary School and how they have come to love the Therapy Dogs in our community.

Dr. Irvin R. Jennings from the Executive Director of Family & Children’s Aid will also be speaking briefly. His agency was in charge of the crisis counseling at Reed Intermediate School.

Jay Smith, Principal of Reed Intermediate School will also be speaking. He was the first principal to request dogs in his school. They continue to remain in the school as of today.

Ken Murdoch who is with Save the Children in Westport, CT will speak at this event. His agency was at Reed and provided an activity room for the children to enjoy decompress and relax.

State Representative Diana Urban of CT was one of the sponsors of the Therapy Dog legislation and is a strong supporter of a variety of animal legislations. – More information at www.housedems.ct.gov/Urban/

State Senator Dante Bartolomeo of CT is another sponsor of the Therapy Dog legislation in the state of CT.www.senatedems.ct.gov/bartolomeo.php

Newtown Veterinary Specialists is presenting this event and coordinating the event for over 70 Therapy Dog teams who are both local and coming in from all over the country. These teams have all been a significant part of our community over the past six months. Come learn their story of how they came to help and spend more time with them taking photos, talking with the handlers and of course, collecting trading cards.

This is a free event and a special notation: No other dogs will be allowed at this event; only therapy dogs who have been directly involved with our healing.