Therapy Partner Handler Connie Gates and her Partner Katie - Delta Society® Pet Partner® Team of the Year Winner!
Katie, a 12 year old Golden Retriever and her partner Connie Gates, have volunteered with Therapy Partners for 10 years. They have worked their special kind of magic at Chi Ho Children’s Home, Harris Home for Children and for the past 5 years at HOPE Place, a shelter for abused women and their children. Katie brings comfort and normalization to what is usually a frightening time in the lives of these children. Her unconditional, non-judgmental love helps smooth the physical and psychological abuse these women have survived.
Ten-year old “Jeremy” was safer and better cared for at the Children’s home, but he was depressed and withdrawn. He reached out and gave Katie a listless pet when she sat beside him. Katie knew it wasn’t enough.
She left Jeremy’s side to get a teddy bear to give him. With the toy in her mouth, she broke through the darkness that surrounded Jeremy. Through more visits, Jeremy began to chat with Katie sharing his dreams and plans. Katie’s tail wagged especially widely the day he gave her a portrait. That day Katie and Connie knew they had helped open a little boys’ heart to the childlike artist within himself.
Connie and Katie will be presented the award for National Pet Partner Team of the Year by John O'Hurley (Seinfeld, Dancing with the Stars, Family Feud) at the National Dog Show in Philadelphia on Saturday, November 17th. The show will be televised on Thanksgiving Day immediately following the Macy’s Parade.