Dogologie Salutes Americas Working Dogs

PRLog (Press Release) - Jun 19, 2007 -
Author Patsy Swendson and her Healing Golden Retriever, Penny, will be at Dogologie on July 4th for a Book Signing of Swendson's book, "Penny's From Heaven: Stories of Healing" from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.   Penny is an amazing dog and her inspirational stories of healing and helping others are a fitting tribute to America’s Celebration of Independence.    Even if you don’t have a dog, we encourage everyone to stop in to meet Patsy and Penny.  
Last December Penny was inducted into the Texas Animal Hall of Fame, as the Texas Veterinary Medical Association’s Companion Animal of the Year, a distinction she has earned well through her miraculous service work with ailing patients throughout the San Antonio area.  Penny also has served as a personal example to those struggling to overcome debilitating illness or injury. Diagnosed with cancer early last year, she went through surgery and rehabilitation — and has made a great comeback. The book captures Penny’s inspiring story.
Penny is a teacher, a healer, a guide, a true blessing, and for years just what the doctor ordered. She is certified as a therapy dog with the Skeeter Foundation.  Penny’s life has been one of exemplary service to an extended community (she works with hundreds of patients from all over the U.S.) at HealthSouth - Rehabilitation Institute of San Antonio. She has worked at least twice weekly one-on-one with fearful pediatric dental patients, cancer patients, stroke survivors, Iraqi amputees, head injury and critical care patients and staff, and more. They call her “their healing angel.”

Born to be a guide dog, Penny’s first 2 years were in training with Guide Dogs of Texas. Soon it was clear, Penny had quite a different mission and ministry in life.  A courageous cancer survivor herself, Penny’s scars and imperfections tell others of her will to live and in turn teach others how to live.  Sometimes nothing overtly or outwardly amazing happens during her work with patients. Frequently, it is just Penny’s gift of presence that awakens something in someone. In a room full of 80-90 patients and hustle and bustle, a calm and quiet exchange occurs in Penny’s presence, a listening to the heart. It is as if answers come with the silence and the only thing that matters is now. Penny is both the giver and the beneficiary simply by her presence.

Author and dog therapy specialist Patsy Swendson believes therapy dogs shouldn't be denied medical treatment because of financial restraints. For that reason, she’s established the Penny's From Heaven Foundation to assist pets needing high-cost veterinary care.  "Penny has helped to heal bodies and hearts, and through the Penny's From Heaven Foundation, we hope to assist other therapy dogs involved in the same mission," Swendson says. "We want to help animals that help people."
A portion of proceeds from the book’s sale will benefit the Penny’s From Heaven Foundation. Dogologie is located at 148B East Main Street in Fredericksburg. For more details, please visit www.dogologie.com, call 830-997-5844 or email events@dogologie.com.

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/10020939/1