‘Dog Days of Summer’ to benefit local animals

MADISON – This party may ‘go to the dogs,’ but that’s exactly how they planned it.

“Dog Days of Summer,” the annual fundraiser for Therapy Partners Inc., will be held on Aug. 11. Dr. John and Marianna Wester will host the summer benefit at their scenic home at 2405 Covemont Drive in Huntsville.

“The fun heats up at 6:30 p.m. as Therapy Partners teams gather to greet you with a smile and a wagging tail,” spokesperson Tammie Berzett said.

Therapy Partners Inc. is an animal-assisted therapy organization in Huntsville. Numerous clients for Therapy Partners include Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville City Schools, Huntsville-Madison County Senior Center, Redstone Fox Army Medical Clinic and area nursing homes.

Guests can meet some of the therapy animals that will attend the party. Dogs, cats and miniature horses will visit the fundraiser.

“Days of Summer is a fun and casual event that allows dog, art and community lovers to mingle in support of Therapy Partners. Our honorary sponsor is Paradise Pet Resort and Spa of Madison,” Berzett said.

Guests will enjoy live musical entertainment, tasty food from Rock House Catering Company, craft beers, wine and the infamous ‘Bad Puppy Punch.’ “The fabulous silent and live auctions will offer opportunities to win jewels, beach vacations and many other highly popular items,” Berzett said.

During the evening, guests can browse the ‘Da Vinci Dog’ paintings that will be on exhibit. Local visual artists donated their time and talents to the cause in creating these works of art. The subjects for these one-of-a-kind portraits are animal companions of local pet owners.

Individuals can schedule their pet for painting for the 2019 event. Call 256-426-2183.

Therapy Partners has 35 volunteer therapy teams of registered and certified handlers. Their dog, cat or mini-horse partners assist physicians, nurses, therapists and social workers to reach their health treatment goals with their patients and clients. They also work with teachers to provide educational stimuli for their students.

Several programs are affiliated with Therapy Partners:

* “Wait, Ask, Greet Safety” or WAGS — For elementary students on approaching an unfamiliar dog.

* “Partners Achieving Wellness” or PAW — For the dogs to visit patients in hospitals and other care facilities.

* “Partners Serving Military” or PSM — To serve active military, veterans and their families by partnering with various military-based organizations.

* “Partners Serving Hospice” or PSH — To assist patients in hospice care.

* “Partners Serving Children” or PSC — To help children with behavioral, mental, emotional and physical disabilities.

A reservation for the Dog Days of Summer benefit is $80. For reservations, call 256-881-5700 or visiting therapypartners.org. All reservations will be held at the door.

For more information, visit Facebook/Dog Days of Summer-Huntsville and Instagram @DogDaysHuntsville.