February 2016 – Meet the Team
When did you and Chica become a team? – In 2003
What other partners have you had? – Chica is my only pet partner, though my shepherd mix Buddy is in training.
In what type of facility are you visiting? – I currently visit a nursing home, though I have visited assisted living, hospitals, and a rehab facility for women. I have also done StoryTails at an Elementary School.
In what other Therapy Animals activities do you and your partner participate? – I attend and participate in monthly board meetings as well as other organization activities like the Animal Crackers picnic. I also help in the planning/preparation of our annual Pooch Parade and assist onsite the day of the event.
Tell us something about your partner that we may not know. – She is the 5K champion of San Antonio and Lytle, TX. She turned 14 in November, so she’s not as fast as she was in her heyday, though still faster than me. She’s won numerous SNIPSA and other 5k races with my husband. They’ve run a 19 minute 5K, which is just over 6 minutes/mile. She is only 7 pounds, but thinks she’s a big dog. She also snores loudly like big dogs do. Sometimes I work from home and have her on my lap. She snores so loudly that people on the conference call often ask “what is that noise, is that your stomach growling, Eileen?”
What Therapy Animals leadership position(s) do you currently have? – I am the Membership Chair and send out dues renewal reminders monthly.
What other leadership positions have you had? – None.
Tell us something about yourself that we may not know. – I’m from New York originally; I moved to San Antonio in 1995 so I’m pretty sure I’m here to stay. I don’t think I could deal with those winters ever again. But I do miss the pizza and bagels.
