REFERENCES FROM NURSING HOMES,
CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS & SPECIAL SCHOOLS
Armed Forces Retirement Home * Washington
3700 North Capital Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20011
August 14, 2006
Dear Allie, Adele, and all the Greenbelt Dog Training Members,
On behalf of the Veterans of the Armed Forces Retirement Home-Washington
(AFRH-W), we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for the wonderfully
exciting dog show you presented on Monday July 30, 2006. The Residents
can't stop talking about how much they enjoyed the exhibition of dog training
skills and fun-filled tricks!
There could not have been a happier crowd of retired veterans when, upon conclusion of the show, they were provided the opportunity to meet and greet the dogs and their caring owners.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to visit the Home. We look forward to seeing you and the Greenbelt Dog Training members again in the future.
Sincerely,
Ricky Langford, Chief of Recreation Therapy
AFRH-W King Health Center
Carol Mitchell, Recreation Therapist
AFRH-W King Health Center
Elizabeth Rowe, Volunteer Services
Terry Spearman, Child Life Services
CHILDREN’S NATIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
111 Michigan Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20010-2970
202-884-5000
April 1, 2005
Subject: Greenbelt Dog Training
In June 2004, Children’s National Medical Center instituted an Animal
Visitation Program with the guidance and support of Greenbelt Dog Training.
Our program sponsors monthly and sometimes semi-monthly visits to the
hospital’s inpatient units by Greenbelt-trained therapy dogs and their
owners. The patient visits take place in our unit playrooms, and provide
an opportunity for our kids to pet, feed, and learn about a variety of
canine breeds.
These visits have been an unqualified success, and are thoroughly enjoyed
by patients, their families and hospital staff. Our “canine volunteers”
provide a welcome break from the hospital routine and a chance for patients
to interact with gentle, kid-friendly pets and knowledgeable owners. The
dogs that routinely visit the hospital, are not only well groomed and
expertly trained, they have an impressive repertoire of obedience skills
and tricks that delight and amaze our patients.
We are grateful to Allie and Adele Lee and their faithful band of trainers
and dogs for their enthusiastic support and ongoing commitment. Our program
would not be possible without the knowledgeable and energetic backing
of our wonderful partners from Greenbelt Dog Training. As the anniversary
of our inaugural visit approaches, we look forward to another rewarding
year of animal visitation at Children’s National Medical Center.
Arabella M. Johnson, Sr.AA, New Horizons
CHILDREN’S NATIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
111 Michigan Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20010
202-884-5000
July 24, 2000
Dear Mr. Lee:
On behalf of Children’s National Medical Center, New Horizons, the arts
education and cultural enrichment program, the patients and their families,
it is my pleasure to thank you and all of the participants in the Greenbelt
Dog Show here at the hospital. Your time and commitment to performing
for us here at the Hospital is highly commended.
We welcome you to come back as your schedule permits.
Stephanie Burns, CTRS, Recreation Therapist
And Jon V. Palks, CTRS, Supervisory Recreation Therapist
DEPT. of VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER
50 Irving Street, NW
Washington, DC 20422
February 25, 2005
To: Greenbelt Dog Training
Dear Members:
On behalf of the Washington DC VA Medical Staff and the Recreation Therapy
Staff, we extend our thanks and appreciation for the Dog Training Program
at the CNRC Atrium on December 5, 2004.
The Veterans thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They look forward to visits
such as yours, which bring joy and purpose to their daily routine. Your
dedication and commitment helps us to continue to up hold our motto “Putting
Veterans First” is greatly appreciated.
Again, thank you and we look forward to other performances in the near
future.
Stephanie Burns, CTRS, Recreation Therapist
And Jon V. Palks, CTRS, Supervisory Recreation Therapist
DEPT. of VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER
July 14, 2004
To: Greenbelt Dog Training
Dear Members:
On behalf of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Recreation Therapy
Staff, we would like to thank you for your performance on Tuesday, June
20, 2004. The Veterans thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Your dedication
and commitment helps us to continue to uphold our motto Putting Veterans
First is greatly appreciated.
Again, thank you and we look forward to your continued support and more
visitations in the future.
__________
Stephanie Burns, CTRS, Recreation Therapist
And Jon V. Palks, CTRS, Supervisory Recreation Therapist
DEPT. of VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER
April 13, 2004
(ALSO another THANK YOU letter was sent from the Veterans Medical Center
because of our Demo and Show on March 28, 2004.)
Robyn Winston, Recreation Therapist
The HSC PEDIATRIC CENTER
(formerly The Hosp. For Sick Children)
1731 Bunker Hill Road, NE
Washington, DC 20017
202-832-7848
May 13, 2005
Dear Greenbelt Dog Training:
Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedules to come
see the patients here at HSC Pediatric Center on April 29, 2005. My patients
loved the dog show and are still talking about it, weeks later. We really
appreciate your time and dedication to us.
Hopefully we will see you again soon for another Greenbelt Dog Training
dog show.
You guys are the best. Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Robyn Winston, CTRS
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Robyn Winston, Recreation Therapist
The HSC PEDIATRIC CENTER
(formerly The Hosp. For Sick Children)
1731 Bunker Hill Road, NE
Washington, DC 20017
202-832-7848
January 5, 2005
Dear Adele & Greenbelt Dog Training:
Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedules to come
see the patients here at HSC Pediatric Center. As a Recreation Therapist,
in charge of Pet Therapy, I cannot thank you enough. My patients always
look forward to Thursday mornings and weekly they ask me, “Is Joker coming
this week?” It is amazing to watch my patients’ progress during Pet Therapy.
It’s also great that I am able to incorporate my Recreation Therapy goals
during this time.
We are so lucky to have you as part of our HSC family. Thank you for the
special Birthday celebrations as well, along with the dog shows.
Greenbelt Dog Training is the best.
Jean Raiche, Administrator
FOX CHASE REHABILITATION & NURSING CENTER
2015 East West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-587-2400
February 13, 2005
Dear Allie & Adele:
Thank you for inviting the advanced students of Greenbelt Dog Training to perform for our residents at Fox Chase Rehabilitation & Nursing Center last Sunday. It is always a wonderful treat for our residents to see the dogs demonstrate the obedience and agility skills they have practiced in class. Of course, everyone marveled at the doggie dancers! We will look forward to having them rehearse here again this spring. Perhaps for some, the best part was petting the dogs after the show, having individual tricks performed for them and talking directly with their owners.
As you must know, the therapeutic value of patient interaction with animals is becoming increasingly recognized in the medical profession. Their positive response speaks highly of the therapeutic interaction that takes place between animals and man.
Once again, thank you for the wonderful service work that you do so often and the many gifts that you give to our residents.
Patrice Shibuya, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Therapist
HEBREW HOME OF GREATER WASHINGTON
6121 Montrose Road
Rockville, MD 20852-4856
301-881-0300
May 6, 2003
Dear Adele and Allie:
On behalf of the Hebrew Home, the residents and myself, we would like to thank you, your volunteers and the dogs for spending your time with us. The dog training demonstration was greatly appreciated and enjoyed by everyone. The experience sparked a lot of memories and smiles for the residents, and they love to have the dogs around them. You are always welcomed back. The residents are still raving about the demonstration today!
We look forward to seeing you again in the future. Again, thank you and we wish you well. To schedule any further events, please do not hesitate to contact Cheryl Brown at 301-770-8324.
Patricia Ulf, Principal
MARGARET BRENT SCHOOL
5816 Lamont Terrace
New Carrollton, MD 20784
301-918-8780
January 3, 2002
Dear Allie:
Thank you so much for the wonderful visit this fall from the Greenbelt Dog Trainers. All of our "special" students loved the performance, especially watching the dogs do their little dance.
Some of our students have never had the opportunity to get "up close and personal" with a dog. The dog owners are wonderful and their dogs were so very patient with our students all of whom are challenged, either physical, mentally or both. To see the excitement and joy on our students faces was indescribable. We are hoping to include photos taken during the visit.
Again, thank you so much for your visit. We look forward to the next time that you come to our school.