Testimonials
During our time together, Miss Dixie displayed great talent and patience with our population of adults with intellectual disabilities. It’s not just her technical skills that impress me, however, Miss Dixie was a joy to work with because of her amazing personality. Rick and Dee Lacey were compassionate and caring. They both took the time to talk to and get to know our clients to better direct Miss Dixie.
- Susan Gackenbach, Supervisor of Medical Special Needs; Abilities of Northwest Jersey Inc.
Many of these students are struggling learners and come from challenging home environments. But once they sat next to Silas their world changed and they looked genuinely happy. They would pet his soft fur, look into his eyes and just live in the moment. Students listened to Carol Schiller explain the therapy dog training program and then watched Silas go through his skills. We all look forward to next summer as Silas and Carol return.
- Jay M. Gionet, Math Teacher; Clark Lane Middle School in Waterford, CT
Their volunteers are professional, but also very kind, patient, and empathetic. The dogs are extraordinarily well behaved, thoroughly trained, and have a genuine talent for bonding with our residents. This has become one of our residents’ favorite, most highly anticipated activities. I am thankful to Karen Russell and the other volunteers at Caring K9s for what they do for our community.
- Katie Levesque, Engagement Director, Vitality Living Spring Hill; Evergreen Woods
They bring all of us, staff as well, such joy and comfort. We have residents who only come around when our four-legged friends are there. Rick and Dee Lacey have been incredible dog owners/handlers and their love of sharing their pets with our residents is very evident. They have truly enhanced our activity calendar in a way only animals can. The dogs not only benefit our assisted living residents, but are very much loved and appreciated in our memory care unit as well.
- Sandy Peterson, Lifestyle Director, ADC, CDP; The Chelsea at Brookfield in Belvidere, NJ
My residents absolutely love the dogs and the owners. Dave Morana, Barbara Zopp-Haynes, and Jim Engard are amazing with our residents. They visit the same floors with their fur babies because the residents have connected with the dogs.
- Debra Pacheco, Life Enrichment Director; The Residence at Timber Pines
Caring K9s has been an absolute blessing to the students and staff at Hope Ranch Learning Academy. They have been coming on a monthly basis to both of our campuses for several years. The students are always excited for the dogs to come visit. They bring out the best in our kids and the bond made between child and dog in a few short minutes is everything to these students. Some of whom may not even be able to tell you but you just know. We are so grateful to be able to spend time with these loving canines and their awesome trainers.
- Hope Youth Ranch in Hudson, FL
The Washington Senior Center would like to thank Rick and Dee Lacey for bringing Dixie and Yogi the therapy dogs to visit them at the senior center. The therapy dogs lifted the seniors' spirits, they let them hug and Dixie even did some tricks for them, then posed for pictures. Thank You Dixie and Yogi. We look forward to seeing you again.
- Sue C., Supervisor; Washington County Senior and Nutrition Center in Washington, NJ
The weekly visits from Curie, Rico, and their handlers is something we look forward to and talk about all week long. Curie and Rico are wonderful dogs! They are both gentle, patient, and love as many pets as we can give them. Their visit is the highlight of the week for several of our residents, especially those who have a hard time getting around. Thank you for all you do to support our residents! Pet therapy really is important!
- Tammie Earl, Activities Director; Spring Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care in Brooksville, FL
