In a heartwarming gesture to celebrate Dog Therapy Appreciation Day, Miami-Dade County is rolling out the red carpet for some special furry guests. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava will be teaming up with Miami-Dade Animal Services, the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO) Community Oriented Support Therapy Dog Program, and the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's (MDFR) Crisis Response K9 Program to honor former shelter dogs who have become certified therapy dogs. The ceremony is scheduled for April 11 at 9:30 a.m., according to an official release.
Dog Therapy Appreciation Day shines a light annually on the significant role therapy dogs play in enhancing the well-being of humans. These devoted dogs have undergone extensive training to provide emotional support in a variety of settings, from hospitals to nursing homes during times of crisis. The celebrated therapy dogs from MDSO and MDFR are living testimonials to the transformative power of adoption, showcasing an resilience and compassion that move beyond the average pet story. To promote similar success stories, adoptable pets will be available at the event, with Animal Services covering vaccinations, microchipping, deworming, and spay/neuter surgery fees.
Present at the event alongside Mayor Levine Cava will be prominent figures such as Miami-Dade County Animal Services Director Annette Jose, Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz, Assistant Sheriff Shawn Browne, and MDFR’s Health and Safety Division Chief Willie Williams. The handlers and their K9 partners, including K9 Dottie with MDSO Deputy Natalie Miraya and K9 Joey with MDSO Deputy Hector Rosello, will also be in attendance. Information about the event and pet adoption is available at the Miami-Dade County Animal Services website, with the adoption center open for visitors throughout the week.
The press conference will provide an opportunity for the public to meet members of the MDFR Crisis Response K9 Team and their human partners, such as K9 Legacy with handler Captain Shawn Campana and K9 Zoey with handler Joshua Holm. These interactions aim to highlight the extraordinary work done by these therapy dogs and inspire community members to consider adoption. For details on Miami-Dade County Animal Services and the pet adoption process, the public can call 311 or follow @adoptmiamipets on social media, as well on the web.
