Recently, members of our Choices Neighborhood program had the exciting opportunity to meet experienced therapy dog trainer Mike Jones and his beautiful 18-month-old golden retriever Sunny Boy!

Mike and his wife Elaine bring their therapy dogs all over Westchester, visiting nursing homes, hospitals, libraries and schools. Mike, Elaine, and of course Sunny Boy, believe their mission is to help educate and heal. Together they visited Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012 as well as Somers schools after the loss of a teacher. Mike and Sunny Boy met with over 20 Choices participants at our headquarters in Hawthorne, where Mike answered questions, showed off Sunny Boy’s impressive talent, and talked about some of the great work Sunny Boy does for people throughout the county and beyond. Of course, many agreed that the highlight of the day was getting the chance to pet, and even hug, Sunny Boy!

We are grateful for the opportunity to get a visit from Mike and his beautiful golden retriever! To learn more about their work, you can read up on them in the Somers Record.

Check some of the highlights from the day below, and learn more about how can get involved in our Choices Program!