It’s exciting to have some good news! 1 FUR 1 Foundation is joining forces with Timberknolls Spirit Cove to delivery stress relief and joy to medical staff, first responders and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. This new partnership delivers monthly virtual sessions (A.R.E.) and (free) animal assisted activity visits to Caiyalynn Burrell Child Crisis Center, Summerville Medical Center and eight First Responder Stations throughout Tennessee, South and North Carolina.

The certified therapy Newfoundland dogs are loving, caring and a lot of fun to be around. Because of their enormous size, of around 180 lbs, they always leave a good impression that lasts. Since animal assisted activity (AAA) teams aren’t able to visit most facilities in-person until a COVID-19 restriction are lifted, a unique coloring book kit was developed to challenge the fine motor skills and attention span of even the most detail-oriented people who love giant dogs and need them during their journey to wellness.

1 FUR 1 is a proud sponsor of Newfie Therapy: Adult Coloring Book and hopes it brings stress relief and joy during these unprecedented times. Coloring has the ability to relax the fear center of the brain, the amygdala. It induces the same state as meditating by reducing the thoughts of a restless mind. This generates mindfulness and quietness, which allows your mind to get some rest.

1 FUR 1 Foundation is made by 100% volunteers on a mission to create, nurture and expand therapeutic programs in the U.S.A. for children and seniors with disabilities. To learn more about the #1fur1impact and get involved, click here to start.

So, what is a facility dog?

Facility dogs are a type of therapy dog. These pups work every day with their handler in a facility as a team, most of the time the handler is an employee of the facility and most of the time the owner of the animal. The dog’s job is to provide a calm presence. By being loving, calm, and gentle, dogs provide individual support to people in crisis, decreasing anxiety, and improve social skills.

Let’s face it: dogs are better than people. Many people, of differing abilities, enjoy spending time with dogs more than with people. Dogs are kind, funny, and excited, so spending time with them causes people to feel the same. Facility dogs brighten the days of the people they visit and people tend to be more enthusiastic about their therapy when they see a fluffy pup wagging their tail in encouragement. Besides dogs, other animals such as; cats, turtles, fish and even birds are known to be a “facility animal”. That is very different than a specifically trained dog or a mini horse that provides an animal assisted service.

How do you obtain a facility dog?

Often, facility dogs are the pets of an empathetic individual who work daily at a facility and sees the benefit a trained therapy dog would bring to their organization. These individuals either bring their dogs to work with them or volunteer their time. They’re rewarded for their hard work when they see the joy their dogs bring to others.

How is a facility dog chosen?

Often, therapy dogs are chosen for the job because they naturally enjoy it and physically can perform it. Therapy dogs can be any breed, including mixed breed. AKC, TDI, or Pet Partners certification and registration is a highly recommended. Our graduate, Canine Advocates, chooses to career change Labradors and Golden Retrievers, bred and trained by Leader Dogs for the Blind. These friendly, sensitive dogs can work with children testifying in court and their families going through hardships.

How do you develop a facility dog?

You train the dog. 1 FUR 1 strongly advises of positive reinforcement training methods and certification by a reputable organization, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) or Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). Therapy dog training builds upon the skills and commands learned through the AKC Canine Good Citizen program. All dogs must be trained with positive reinforcement methods. Through CCI‘s certification, a therapy dog in training can learn more than 40 commands. The handler must have control of the animal at all times. Handlers accomplish this by exposing their dogs to different environments and situations as much as possible.

You let them grow up. Since they will be around a lot of people, these pups need to be mature. A facility pup is a healthy pup. The dogs need to be clean, up to date on vaccines, well-groomed, and well-trained (click here to learn more). Therapy animals typically start working after they turn one year old, but can start training from the day they are adopted. Therapy dogs can work for years, depending on the desire of the dog. Dogs can retire from duty for a number of reasons, from health issues, to old age, to decreased energy levels. Though many dogs continue to work for their handlers into retirement.

Why use positive reinforcement?

We all appreciate it when others are nice to us. Training dogs using positive reinforcement makes training into a game for them. Positive reinforcement uses treats or other motivators to let your dog know when they are doing what you want them to do. The more they learn with this method, the quicker they pick up new skills and tricks. When I train my rescue terrier, I see his eyes light up while he tries out different behaviors. He is engaged, happy, and trusting. Positive reinforcement rewards dogs for being their great selves while ignoring their more troublesome tactics for getting our attention.

Curious about our work with facility dogs and other therapy animals?

Check out our partner programs, which include animals working at schools, hospitals, assisted living facilities and courtrooms.

Animals Helping Others

The month long 2020 Animal Superhero Photo Contest has ended but the encouraging stories of animals who make people’s lives better, will remain forever. From encouraging therapy dogs, mini horses and donkey who heal children with disabilities to trained court dogs helping crime victims go through the U.S.A. judicial system. And let’s not forget, about the official beach guest greeter dog who loves his Hawaiian shirt and the loving dog saved by her own superhero from an abandon warehouse where she was dumped to die after brutal dog fighting injuries. All 14 animal contestants melted hearts and encourage us to love more and think positive, even when times are challenging.

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1 FUR 1 is focused on continuing to raise awareness and education about the benefits of the human-animal bond. As well as funds to support worthy animal assisted programs throughout the United States. Our goal for this year’s Superhero photo contest was $2,000 and we were able to collect about half. So we choose to look at our glass half full. All donations from this contest are directly going to fund 1 FUR 1 animal assisted therapy programs who need masks to protect themselves and others from Corona-virus and new technology to help with virtual A.R.E. These two programs are vital to the lives of disabled children and have been operating at a reduce capacity. We’re so proud of their dedication and courage! Our world has changed so, we have too!

At 1 FUR 1, we thrive to develop national standards and now we’re accounting for animal related engagements (A.R.E.) during the 2020/2021 pandemic. 1 FUR 1 is now ready to deliver virtual A.R.E. and ‘window’ sessions to health care facilities near St. Louis metro area, Florida Panhandle and Southern California. Please contact us for requests.

Animal superheroes live among us and they come in many different shapes and forms. We’re on a mission to let the world know of the healing powers animals posses. 1 FUR 1 Foundation’s fun virtual photo contest is live now until August 25th and is open to any pet with superpowers that help people live a better life. Our goal is to raise $2,000 so we can offer additional financial relief to each of our four active programs.

1 FUR 1 invites you to raise awareness and funds for the everyday 4-legged superheroes who are helping people on their journey to wellness. All proceeds benefit children and seniors with disabilities in need of animal assisted intervention. 1 FUR 1 Foundation offers these healing programs in five states, always free-of-charge.

Since the suspension of our all 1 FUR 1 programs due to COVID-19 virus we’re desperate to move our mission forward. Your participation in this contest will help 1 FUR 1 immensely. We want to “Thank you” for your support by offering 15 free votes when you donate $25 worth of votes or more in your superhero entry process. For example: If the entrant donates $40 their entry will receive 50 votes (35 votes from the $35 vote donation beyond the $5 entry fee, plus the bonus 15 votes).

Best of luck to all competitors and their human managers!

#StayAtHome orders are being implemented differently by each state but in the past month, 1FUR1 program partners delivered some in-person impact. As of now, all of our programs have been suspended until further notice. But that didn’t stop the good work. From sawing face-masks from leftover dog bandanas to fostering puppies and offering free online story-time, we’re simply inspired to do good.

Naudus is already helping others in his first months of work as a victim canine advocate. He assisted a special young lady in testifying in District Court room as well as Circuit Court room. Naudus also went up to the podium while a victim’s mother read a very powerful victim impact statement.  He knew that he had to laid his head on her foot while she read so she can get through it.  Another older witness came into District Court to testify for a prelim court hearing and met Naudus – she just loved everything about him.  She told me “it’s a wonderful thing to have dogs in courtrooms.”

March Impact Summary:

• 1 Therapy Mini Donkey and Mini Horse in San Diego helped 2 children with Autism learn how to focus, manage their emotions and grow their communication skills. (Learn about this AAT Program)
• 6 Therapy Dogs In Schools in St. Louis delivered 9 visits across 4 facilities and impacted the lives of 100 students with disabilities. (Learn about this AAA Program)
• 1 Therapy Mini Horse in Florida helped over 39 seniors and veterans with disabilities, remember their life with animals. (Learn more about this AAA Program)
• 4 Canine Advocates in Michigan provided assistance to 26 crime victims and family members which includes court hearings, forensic interviews, counseling and other victim advocacy services. ( Learn more about this AAT Program)

So far none of our program partners and facilities have reported any COVID-19 cases and we hope to keep it this way. We’re constantly monitoring the situation and hope to resume regular operations by this summer. In the meantime, we’re working on offering online resources and events. Stay tuned for more details…

Usually calling someone a “lazy dog” is an insult, but for Charles it is an advantage. His handler Karen Alvord says “that’s what we need because we need him to stay calm and relaxed to help people stay calm and relaxed.” Charles provides invaluable service to children in court as part of the Canine Advocacy Program.

His mild, laid-back demeanor makes him a great Canine Advocacy Program participant. In fact, he was the first canine advocate in the program to work with the Prosecutor’s office. People working in the courts were initially wary of using canine advocates, but they have delivered results in helping crime victims feel at ease enough to provide reliable account of the tragic event and eventually testify in court. In a recent case with two seven-year-old girls, they were at first traumatized, but after a significant amount of time with Charles, they were able to testify conquer their anxiety enough in order to focus and provide legal agencies with the information they need to pursue a trial.

This three-year-old Labrador retriever works 40 hours a week and prefers to be paid in belly rubs. Most pictures of him show him on his back, his tongue hanging out, ready to be “paid” in belly rubs.

Other info: In the first three month of this year alone Charles has assisted in 1 trials, 11 victim interviews and 17 victim service meetings.

Last year 10,386 children and seniors with disabilities have benefited from 1 FUR 1’s animal assisted programs, always delivered free-of-charge. We’re proud of our accomplishment and offer sincere thanks to our indispensable volunteers, supportive donors, dedicated program partners and their amazing animals. We’re looking back and moving forward.

On the heels of such a great year, we received January 2020 reports from 27 actively working dogs and mini horses across five states; CA, MI, MO, IL and FL. The below listed monthly impact is paving the road for another wonderful year:

• Ripley, the 1FUR1 Ambassadors and founding canine member visited with his 15 friends as part of the monthly animal assisted activity session for seniors with disabilities in LA County (AAA Program).
• 2 Therapy Mini Horses in San Diego helped 2 children with Autism learn about mini horses, grow their social skills and experience emotional connections. (AAT Program)
• 9 Therapy Dogs In Schools in St. Louis delivered 17 visits across ten facilities and impacted the lives of 328 students with disabilities. (AAA Program)
• 3 Therapy Mini Horses in Florida helped over 130 seniors and veterans with disabilities, remember their life with animals. (AAA Program)
• 12 Canine Advocates in Michigan provided assistance to 196 crime victims and family members which includes court hearings, forensic interviews, counseling and other victim advocacy services. (AAT Program)

As the leaves fall our hopes are lifted. 1 FUR 1 Foundation is expanding it’s service area to cover Florida panhandle – where 4 therapy mini horses not only help seniors with disabilities but also touch the hearts of veterans. We’re thrilled to welcome, our newest partner Kindred Spirits Therapy Minis to the family.

October Impact Summary:

• 2 Therapy Mini Horses in Florida helped over 100 seniors and veterans with disabilities, remember their life with animals.
• 16 Therapy Dogs In Schools in St. Louis delivered 34 visits across seven facilities and impacted the lives of 560 students with disabilities.
• 2 Therapy Mini Horses in San Diego helped over 22 children with Autism learn about mini horses, grow their social skills and experience love of animals.
• 8 Canine Advocates in Michigan provided assistance to 66 crime victims and family members which includes court hearings, forensic interviews, counseling and other community engagements.
• Ripley, the 1FUR1 Ambassadors and founding canine visited with his 20 friends as part of the monthly animal assisted activity session for seniors in LA County.

RIP Manny Lee 7/17/09 – 9/20/19

Manny lived a full life with his brother Gus who always took the lead. When Gus passed, Manny had to learn how to be independent and found many friends along the way. We celebrated birthdays, holidays and played on the grass everyday. As he gained a canine group of friends, Manny’s confidence increased and his loving personality started to shine.

In 2017, Manny became the California 1 FUR 1 Foundation Ambassador. As a volunteer Manny his mom delivered over 20 animal assisted activity sessions over the years. Each month he visited with 20-30 seniors with disabilities and helped many others around him feel loved.

Manny’s gentle soul and healing spirit touched many lives. He will be missed and always remembered. RIP!

Dolan Lorenzo von Matterhorn Velde Victor III was born May 6, 2009 near Indianapolis, IN.  During his younger years he lived with a family who had several dogs and a cat.  He was primarily kept outdoors.  One day the family could no longer afford to feed Dolan; he was severely underweight, malnourished and his health was in jeopardy.  As a result, he was owner surrendered into the Human Society of Indianapolis where he resided for a short time.

Not long after he was surrendered, Dolan was taken in by Just Giants Rescue Inc (JGRI) in IL, where he lived with an amazing foster family for several weeks where he began his road to recovery and regained his confidence.  As a matter of fact, Dolan was JGRI’s first foster!

In June 2014, Dolan was adopted by Austin and Sarah Victor of Chicago, IL. After a major tail surgery and fast-forward a few months, Dolan began feeling at home in his new surroundings, reached his normal weight and regrew his shiny black coat.  Already having a smart, sweet and polite demeanor, his goofy personality really started to show.  As an “only child,” Dolan was quite spoiled with his own bedroom, an ongoing assortment of yummy meals, fashion-forward clothing, loads of toys/treats, monthly BarkBox subscription and a comfy bed on each floor.  He often spent time lying in the sun on the rooftop, where he could enjoy the fresh air and view of the city.

In early 2016, as a way to give back to his community, Dolan began volunteering for the 1FUR1 Foundation.  He quickly became their Chicago Canine Ambassador making monthly therapy visits to the local senior community center, where he helped bring smiles and brighten lives of seniors suffering from loneliness, Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Dolan’s favorite hobbies consisted of long walks, chasing squirrels, car rides, doggy play dates, sniffing trees, zoomies, entertaining visitors, napping in the sun, barking at UPS/FedEx trucks, counter-surfing, begging for treats and endless hours of playing dress-up and posing in silly costumes for mamma’s photos.  He also marched in the West Town Dog Parade as well as appeared in a T-shirt print ad and coffee commercial.

In his later years, Dolan frequently underwent physical therapy, massage, stretches, laser therapy and acupuncture to help relieve the pain of several bulging discs in his spine and arthritis in his hind legs—all with a positive attitude.

On April 14, 2019, Dolan passed away 3 weeks shy of his 10^th birthday.  Activities of daily living became cumbersome, daunting and painful, and his quality of life deteriorated quickly.  It was time for the suffering to end.  He died peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones. Dolan is survived by his human parents Austin and Sarah Victor, along with countless fur and human friends, neighbors, cousins, aunties and uncles.

Dolan’s family would like to thank you for your kindness and support during this time of mourning.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Dolan’s name to JGRI© or 1FUR1 Foundation©.