Austin's local heroes on four legs, Divine Canines, are tipping their water bowls to 20 years of providing pet therapy services. Kicking off the celebrations is the organization's 10th annual Barks for Beers event this May, a tradition that combines Central Texas's love for craft beer with their adoration for man's best friend. Starting May 1, patrons can snag a "passport," offering a free pour at breweries all over the area and fundraising for Divine Canines' continued efforts to spread the therapeutic love of dogs.
Two decades of dedication have seen the Divine Canines family grow from a handful of volunteers to an armada of over 160 participants. These volunteers escort their certified furry pals to schools, senior living facilities, and other places that could use a friendly paw. "I think we're able to access a lot of different people that are in need, and so that's a great thing," Sarah Thomas, the chair of the organization's board, told KXAN.
Expansion is on the agenda for Divine Canines, as Austin and its neighbors continue to blossom. The group wants to cast a wider net, one that includes more volunteers and community partners. Amidst all these, their key fundraiser, Barks for Beers, is shaping up to be a memorable one. As Erin Van Landingham, chair-elect of the Divine Canines board, stated to KXAN, it's not just a chance to support local, it's an "opportunity to support small businesses, local businesses, and you know, some of the profits go back to the brewery, and some come back to us and allows us to continue our work."
For those feeling inspired by these tail-wagging therapists, Divine Canines runs a five-week training class for dogs, which culminates in the "Canine Good Citizen" test. Success in the test qualifies a dog to join the ranks of these compassionate canines. Details about joining the cause and participating in Barks for Beers are up for grabs on the organization's website. With heed to high standards and rigorous training, the team ensures every volunteer and their dog is prepared to deliver joy and comfort to those in need, as put by BNN Breaking.
