AVALON, CATALINA ISLAND - The Catalina Island Humane Society partnered with the Avalon School Library to bring over noted dog evaluator Terri Lattanzio and her certified therapy Doberman Pinscher Brandy.  Over twenty canines and their human companions crowded into the school library to learn what it takes to turn your dog into a highly disciplined canine, able to bring comfort and a smile to children's, seniors' or patients' faces.

"It takes a lot of commitment and discipline to go from pet to working dog, probably more from the human than the dog," shared humane society president Stacey Otte.  "Terri made it clear it will be a lot of work, but I think we have several owners and canines willing to take on the challenge.  I know the school would love having a group of local therapy dogs take part in the Canine Literacy Project."

For the past several years school librarian Donna Sharpe has received funding from various service groups to bring over certified therapy dogs to work with kids that have reading challenges.  The dogs relax the kids and boost their confidence which helps them to build their reading skills.

The Humane Society will bring over trainers for basic obedience classes this fall, and offer progressively more challenging classes.  The last step, for those interested in taking their dogs to the highest level, will be to certify therapy dogs.  Terri is looking forward to returning to administer those final tests.

The demonstration was part of the humane society's monthly public meeting.  The Catalina Island Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) organization and was founded by volunteers in the 1970s to provide protection and relief for homeless animals.  More information is available at www.CatalinaHumane.org. Please call 310-510-1900 for more information, to donate or volunteer your time!