On Nov. 20, 24 dog therapy teams from the K-9 Angels Dog Therapy Ministry were recognized for ten years of exceptional service within our community. These dogs and their guardians communed at First United Methodist Church campuses on Carey Station Road and in downtown Greensboro to celebrate this huge milestone.

The three founders of K9 Angels (Ginny Spurlock, Tanya Kingsley and Ann Maddox) spoke to the congregation about how the ministry was first founded, and they also relayed what a blessing it has been to the local colleges, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and schools in the five counties they serve (including Athens, Milledgeville, Eatonton, Greensboro and Monticello).

After Spurlock retired from teaching, she knew that she wanted to pursue pet therapy. To start her journey toward understanding what this mission would entail, she turned to her Sunday School teacher at FUMC, Corey Crouse, for guidance and prayer. Crouse is also responsible for creating the inspiring video about the K-9 Angels that was shared with everyone who attended the ceremony on the 20^th. 

In her remarks to the congregation, Spurlock stated, “I had previously written a research paper about the wonderful benefits of dog therapy. Tanya Kingsley, a dog and horse trainer, approached me before I retired about bringing a therapy dog to our school, and after seeing the children interact with therapy dogs, I knew this is what I wanted to do when I retired. We approached the minister at FUMC about starting K-9 Angels as part of Congregational Care and the rest is history.”

Many of the original team members held pictures of their dogs, as many of these angels have earned their heavenly wings. Paul Guillette, an original team member, drove all the way from Florida to be a part of the 10-year celebration.   

The K-9 Angels has grown from its original three teams to an impressive 50 over the five-county area. Ginny Spurlock concluded the ceremony by saying that the teams will continue their mission to share love, licks, and wagging tails with everyone that needs them, no matter their age or demographic. She added, “We are so appreciative of the support that we have received from the members of FUMC and the community, and we appreciate Pastor Chris Laskey for giving us the opportunity to celebrate ten wonderful years of this ministry.”

If you would like additional information on the K-9 Therapy Ministry, email Ginny Spurlock at lakepepl@att.net. For additional information on therapy dogs, go to the Alliance of Therapy Dogs website at www.therapydogs.com.