This Just In...
Kevin Fischer is an award-winning veteran broadcaster who has been seen and heard on Milwaukee TV and radio stations for nearly three decades.
Kevin, who is a legislative aide to state Sen. Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin), can be seen offering his views on the news on the public affairs program, “INTERchange,” on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, in Franklin.
The Barking Lot
By Kevin Fischer
Saturday, May 3 2008, 08:00 AM
Time once again for what is becoming a very popular feature of This Just In, thanks to my magnanimous, gorgeous, talented wife.
We (but mostly Jennifer) write about anything and everything that has to do with pooches.
Ready, woof, go!
FOUR-LEGGED HELPERS
By Jennifer Fischer
Dogs enrich our lives for many reasons: They keep us company, they protect us, they love us unconditionally. Dogs have saved their owners from house fires, like Mylo.
Research has shown that pet ownership can lower your blood pressure.
In addition to all the great “every day” dogs, there is a special group of canines who go above and beyond the bark of duty: Service Dogs.
Years ago, I had the pleasure of working with a girl who had severe Cerebral Palsy. This remarkable young lady was a full-time college student (despite her need to use a motorized wheelchair and many physical challenges.) Kim was a delight to be around. She had a beautiful Golden Retriever at her side every moment, ready to help when needed. Her dog wore a special vest to help carry objects and would assist her in many tasks.
In my current role in the healthcare field, I regularly hear stories about incredible therapy dogs. Bennie is a rescue dog who survived Hurricane Katrina but was almost euthanized because he could not find a loving home to take him in. Kari adopted him here in Wisconsin and he has been helping at a local hospital ever since earning his Canine Good Citizen certification.
In between breed events during Westminster Kennel Club dog show, you can see video clips of Angels On A Leash, the therapy dog group associated with WKC. Then the dogs come out to the ring with their handlers or owners and receive thunderous applause for their generous gifts of love and time. You can read more about them here.
Two other organizations well-known for their work with assistance dogs are Paws with a Cause and Canine Companions for Independence.
How can you help at the local level? If you think your dog fits the criteria to become a therapy dog, contact the Wisconsin Humane Society.
The bond between service or therapy dogs and the people they help is incredibly touching and rewarding for everyone involved. My sincere hope when I become a dog owner is that I can participate in a therapy dog program and volunteer at nursing homes and hospitals. I know how much joy a dog can bring, and want to share that with as many people as I can. Especially those who need it the most.
-----Jennifer Fischer
OK. She’s just getting way too good.
Let's take a look at Dogs in the News.
1) Not all the news is always so nice. A highway patrolman became the center of controversy when he roughed up a police dog. Hear what his colleagues had to say.
2) Meet Kirstin Zaspel. She’s a canine behaviorist.
3) More canine heroes made the USA TODAY in this feature on therapy dogs.
4) We close with word that the 2008 Purina Incredible Dog Challenge is now underway. Want to see some great dogs in action? Make sure to watch the videos here.
That’s it. Thanks for stopping by. Jennifer and I appreciate you.................OH, YUCK!!!!!!!!!............. your scoopers and your cellophane baggies.
