Community Champion: Cathi Roberts
It’s time to recognize a Community Champion, an honor given to people making a positive impact in the community, in partnership with Leaders Credit Union.
We introduce you to a woman who is bringing smiles to those who need it most, thanks to the help of some furry friends.
“We do it just for the love of our dogs and for the love of our community,” said Cathi Roberts, President and Co-founder of Maggie and Friends Therapy Dogs.
Maggie and Friends Therapy Dogs was created 16 years ago by a group of friends who wanted to share the love of their dogs with others, and bring goodness to the community.
“We found an organization that did pet therapy, we researched it, we tested, we were observed and we became the first five dogs in Madison County to be therapy dogs,” Roberts said.
Roberts says the program has grown over the years.
“We started like I said with five dogs, we’ve had over 25 dogs go through the program. Currently we have 16 dogs and 17 handlers,” said Roberts.
Their goal is to help those in need by creating a great atmosphere with a friendly dog.
Roberts says they will go anywhere they are needed.
“Currently here in this area we are serving the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, Kirkland Cancer Center, The STAR Center, the local colleges such as Jackson State Community College, we do the school system, we have dogs in nursing homes, in hospice facilities. Anywhere there is someone who needs a smile,” Roberts said.
Maggie and Friends is a volunteer organization and they provide their services free of charge.
“We’re a part of the larger organization called the Alliance Therapy Dogs, which is also an all-volunteer organization.”
Roberts explains how their therapy dogs are different than service dogs.
“Our dogs are not trained to help anyone with disabilities. So if you see a dog wearing a vest, I would recommend asking about petting them first. Of course our therapy dogs want to be petted and they want to be loved, but a service dog would be under control and not able to do that.”
According to science, petting the dog alone can reduce your blood pressure and stress level, and Maggie and Friends Therapy Dogs are doing just that.
Roberts says she is grateful for the recognition on behalf of the therapy dogs as they continue to help those in need.
If you know someone doing good in their community, you can nominate them for the Community Champion award by clicking here.
For more local news, click here.
