Zoe the Therapy Dog THDD, owned by Diane Bykowski of Scottsdale, AZ, has earned the AKC Therapy Dog Distinguished (THDD) honor for making more than 400 visits to help people.
Zoe was a stray found on the streets of south Phoenix, but is now a registered therapy dog with Therapy Dogs Inc.
She is a three-year volunteer with Pets on Wheels (POW) of Scottsdale and a two-year volunteer for Hospice of the Valley. She makes therapy visits four times a week to various facilities. Her assigned visits through POW include two rehabilitation centers and the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center. Through Hospice of the Valley; she rotates between two memory facilities and a group home. Most recently she was asked to visit a sixth-grade life skills class at a middle school and to serve with Tail Wagging Tutors at a public library.
In addition, she is often invited to special events such as the Fix Adopt Save campaign for the City of Phoenix; Blessing of Animals at the Franciscan Renewal Center; and events to help her rescue, Ruby Ranch Pet Rescue and Sanctuary.
“This spring Zoe was asked to do two de-stressing events at Arizona State University. That was great fun, especially with the alpha Gamma Delta Sorority,” Diane said. “Through the followers of her Facebook page, Zoe the Therapy Dog, she has made guest visits to local hospitals, patients’ homes, and school events.”
For information on the AKC Therapy Dog titling program: /dog-owners/training/akc-therapy-dog-program/