Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD
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Service Therapy Dogs Join Kenmore Middle School Students for Red Ribbon Week Assembly
The two dogs, Lady Liberty and Bubba, were eagerly awaiting the start of the assembly. Lady Liberty was with Colleen Babcock, the parent and family support coordinator at Horizon Health Services, and Bubba was with Chris Kreiger, president and co-founder of WNYHeroes Inc.
Horizon Health Services is a non-profit organization that supports individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. WNYHeroes is a non-profit organization that supports veterans and their families. Both organizations use service dogs because of the many documented benefits of therapy dogs among people with challenges such as depression or anxiety.
The assembly, which focused on the dangers of prescription drug abuse and the benefits of animal-assisted therapy, was a part of Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week was observed Oct. 23 to Oct. 30 and is a nationwide effort to prevent alcohol, tobacco and substance abuse and violence.
The students greatly enjoyed getting to pet Lady Liberty and Bubba and having their pictures taken with both dogs.