* Indicates that they are currently serving on the Board of Directors |
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| ABOUT Josephine DeAngelis – President* Josephine and her Bulldog Lucy are advocates for reading appreciation in our community and the value and freedom it holds. They have quite the following at local libraries and in her neighborhood. They hope to increase the joy of reading by engaging children to read to Lucy and their families. They frequent book stores and garage sales to send books to her daughter who is an English teacher in Virginia and books are always their gift of choice. Although she has had many dogs as family members, she knew working from home would allow her more time to train a bulldog and feels very blessed to have Lucy. Together they have over 200 visits. Lucy and her stories can be found on Facebook and YouTube at Lucy’s Library. The newest addition to her family is her rescue Tessa, an American bulldog mix. Tessa has become a therapy dog as well in 2021 and is quite the happy pup. Josephine works in cardiac safety for clinical trials where she performs critical analysis and presents to sites worldwide. She has instructed dance classes to children for 11 years both competitive and for enjoyment. When not working, she, Lucy and Tessa can be found in her garden with her husband Jerry. For the past 5 years, Josephine and her dogs attend rally classes weekly at the Canine Academy. As President her main goal is to bring members together so that we can continue to bring the benefits of comfort and joy to our community. |
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| ABOUT JoAnn Kirk – Vice President & Merchandise Manager* JoAnn had a love of dogs from a young age, introduced to English Setters from her father, she would tag along when he went pheasant hunting, watching this amazing breed work and their endurance. JoAnn had rescued Golden Retrievers for many years but has gone back to the breed from her beginning, the English Setter. JoAnn is very active with English Setter rescue and has positions on various rescue boards. She has been actively involved and a Board Member with an AKC Club. She is a past trainer and AKC Evaluator and hopes to soon be back to training. She has had many therapy dogs through the years and enjoys going to retirement centers to bring joy to the residents. it is wonderful when we come in and cheers and yells and hugs happen! |
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| ABOUT Cindy Kaeble - Treasurer* Cindy Kaeble, CPDT-KA is an accountant by trade. She is also a certified dog trainer specializing in Puppy Skills and Development as well as an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and a professional member of Association for Professional Dog Trainers. She shares her passion as a dog trainer for developing a strong bond with our dogs! Her love of training started while working with horses. While learning natural horsemanship methods, she quickly learned that when you observe their natural behavior and offer positive experiences, you are far more successful. This started her learning path to becoming certified in positive reinforcement dog training. She loves her time volunteering as a Therapy Dog Handler. She and her partner, Annie, have been visiting since 2016 and have logged hundreds of visits. She is excited to be a part of Angel on a Leash™. She lives in Yardley, PA with her husband, Rich. Her pack is rounded out with her Cockapoo, Karlee and her Brittany, Marlowe. |
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| ABOUT Michelle Sparling - Secretary* Michelle searched for a dog for many years. Being allergic to most fur babies, she was thrilled to discover she was not allergic to the Portuguese Water Dog breed and welcomed Maverick to the family. Being an active dog, Michelle knew Maverick needed a job to do and pursued therapy work. Maverick became a therapy dog in September, 2019 and has been involved in children’s reading programs. Michelle is eager for the pair to explore more therapy work opportunities. In Maverick’s spare time, he enjoys visiting with all of his neighbors both human and dogs alike, going for long walks, jumping in big piles of leaves, romping through creeks and walking in the snow. Michelle works for Networks for Training and Development, Inc., a training and consulting non-profit with strong ties to the disability community. |
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| ABOUT Carole Davis – Membership Manager* Carole has been in the Grooming Industry for over 44 years. She owned and operated the Grooming Shoppe in Bensalem for 33 years. Carole was also a groomer at Canine Academy in Penndel, Pa. Since she retired, she continues to work with dogs in daycare at Canine Academy. Carole is certified in Canine CPR and successfully saved a dog during a grooming session thanks to her training. Carole is a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Carole has been involved in many rescue organizations and was a long-time member of Philadelphia Sheltie Rescue and Brandywine Shetland Sheepdog Club. Carole has been working with her own Shelties for several years in Obedience, Rally, Fly Ball and Agility. In addition to attending various classes over the years in all aspects of dog related issues including health, nutrition, grooming and training, Carole is involved with other dog clubs and dog activities, including managing membership for Angel on a Leash. Carole with Shelties Chloe and Murray have been Therapy dogs since 2013. |
| ABOUT Linda Weingard – Website Manager Linda is a Registered Nurse and has worked at the American Red Cross for 35 years. Linda is an avid animal lover. Over the years, her menagerie has included many reptiles, fish, spiders, rodents, birds, pot-belly pigs, cats and dogs. She currently has an African Grey parrot, a Sulcata tortoise, a Blue Tongue Skink, a Flemish Giant bunny, and a large Koi pond. This crowd is rounded out with 3 dogs. Abby, who was deserted in the woods as a puppy. Torga is a Golden/Lab mix puppy that Linda is training to be a service dog for Canine Companions for Independence. Linda and Phoebe, a Boxer/Pit mix are new to therapy work. They started their therapy work in 2019. Phoebe especially loves going to the elementary school and interacting with the children. Linda's grandchildren, Colin and Alyssa, love to help during Therapy dog training and testing. They are great "distracters". Linda lives in Bensalem with her husband Jim. |
| ABOUT Linda Somers – Angel Wings Linda has had a love of dogs her whole life. She has worked as an assistant trainer. For over 30 years Linda and her husband have had Dobermans. They really enjoy training them as they are very intelligent and love to work. Training included Agility which they enjoyed due to the fast course and Rally obedience to keep their focus on listening to commands. Linda and her husband got Jack who became their second therapy dog. Jack was almost two when he passed the therapy test. He is now 4 1/2 and visits all his friends weekly at nursing and dementia facilities. Jack loves making the patients smile and enjoys his visits. |
ABOUT Debbie Crossley - Events
Debbie has always loved animals especially dogs. For a wedding gift
she was giver her first Irish Setter pup that started her love for
the breed.
While her children were growing up Debbie spent time volunteering for
their scout troops, church and school organizations and travel softball
teams. Later she went onto volunteering for Hope for the Animals and
The Crossings Animal Society. Fortunate to have had many wonderful
dogs throughout the years, it wasn't until 2012 when she adopted her
Irish Setter pup Killian she found her journey to Therapy Dogs.
Killian & Debbie passed their therapy dog test in 2016 and enjoyed visiting patients and staff at Attleboro, marching in parades and attending community fares with the group.
In 2018 she got a puppy Great Dane, Falcor. Debbie started training him right away in hopes he would follow in Killian's paw steps. Falcor & Debbie passed the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) & therapy dog test during Covid in 2020. They really like getting out as much as possible during these times. Entertaining in outdoor circuses at facilities, 911 Memorial, community fairs and the Holiday parade with the AOAL.