divine canines Named Volunteer Group of the Year 2008

St. Elmo's Elementary School in Austin, Texas, recognized divine canines for its work in the school's Barking Book Buddies Program by naming them Volunteer Group of the Year.

The Barking Book Buddies Program began last year after divine canines visited St. Elmo for its Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Days. The visit encouraged students to read more about dogs and pets, in general, which was an ideal outcome. To build on that success, we worked with the librarian and the school's principal to create the Barking Book Buddies Program in which the dogs visit the school each week so students can read one-on-one to them to practice critical reading skills. Since then, divine canines have visited several other schools for their RIF Days and also organized and participates in the Barking Book Buddies Program at Andrews Elementary School.

State Hospitals of Texas Honors divine canines in 2008

divine canines beat all other nominations for Volunteer Group of the Year 2008 in the annual competition before the Association of Texas State Hospitals.

The Volunteer Coordinator at the Austin State Hospital (ASH) nominated our therapy dogs for the prestigious award because of their positive impact on patients and the dedication of the volunteers who bring them. Debbie Trammell, Assistant Director, Community Relations at ASH wrote in announcing the award: "Thank you to everyone for bringing such joy to our patients. Never doubt for a moment that you truly make a difference in their lives."

divine canines Receives a Training Grant from ASPCA

In June 2009 divine canines was honored to receive a grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (the ASPCA). divine canines' August 2009 class will be made possible through this grant.

New Milestones Foundation 2007 Champions Award

The New Milestones Foundation works in partnership with the Austin Travis County MHMR Center to expand awareness, eradicate stigma, and raise funding to address the needs of those in our community affected by mental retardation, mental illness or substance abuse issues.

divine canines was honored to be the recipient of the Austin Travis County MHMR - New Milestones Foundation 2007 Champions Award. The Award is given to an organization that has made a significant contribution to the understanding and support of persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities or substance abuse disorders.