Founded in 2004, Divine Canines provides pet therapy services through a team of volunteers and certified furry friends. (KXAN Photo/Kelsey Thompson)
AUSTIN (KXAN) — For 20 years, Central Texas organization Divine Canines has brought the healing power of pet therapy to schools, senior living facilities, inpatient rehabilitation centers and other facilities to help people in need. .
Founded in 2004, Divine Canines provides pet therapy services through a team of volunteers and certified furry friends. What started as a small group of volunteers has grown to include over 160 active volunteers.
Divine Canines Board Chair Sarah Thomas said the focus is on providing free pet therapy services to areas and community members who do not have access to such services.
“I think we've gained access to a lot of different people who are in need, and that's great,” Thomas said. “People love interacting with dogs. When a dog comes into a room, it definitely changes the mood. People really light up and come to life.”
As both the Austin and Central Texas regions continue to grow, organization leaders said they hope to continue to expand its network of contacts and staffing services. That comes not only through fundraising, but also through increased opportunities for volunteer networks and partnerships with community organizations.
Divine Canines’ major fundraising initiative, the annual Barks for Beers series, turns 10 this May.
For one month, participants can purchase “PawSport” from one of several participating breweries in Central Texas. PawSport allows you to pour for free at each brewery, and this collaboration allows the proceeds to go back to Divine Canines, allowing us to continue our free service.
“This is an opportunity to support small businesses and local businesses. Some of the profits go back to the brewery and some of them come back to us so we can continue to do our jobs.” Erin Van Landingham said. Divine Canines board.
During Barks for Beers, Divine Canines will host parties at participating breweries and a vendor market dedicated to dogs.
Dog owners interested in participating can enroll their furry friends in a five-week class series to learn more about pet therapy services and training. Dogs that pass the “Canine Good Citizen” test are eligible to become Dogs of God.
More information about the organization and how to get involved can be found online.
