05-13-09 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Little Canada City Center 515 Littlo Canada Road Little Canada, MN 55117 30 March 2009 Mayor Blesener and members of the City Council, I would like to introduce you to our volunteer activities as we require your favorable support. We are Sharon and Paul Anderson residing at 775 East Viking Drive. We are active in a robust Pet'I•herapy Program in the St. Paul community. 'T'his endeavor has been exceedingly rewarding and soundly appreciated. We would appteciate your support in allowing us a vat•iation to the city ordnance ownership for (4) dogs. We have (2) Siberian huskies that are extensively trained and one in u•aining. Ow' dogs are certified and insured by the Delta Society, a nationally recognized organization. "1'he standatds of obedience, tt•aining and certification are the preferred credentials mandated by most professional pet therapy programs at many facilities within the St. Paul area. We work with our veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who have suffered traumatic brain injuries and are assigned to the Poly-Tratuna Clittic at the VA hIospital, one of lour such clinics in the US. Moreover, we work with all veterans who have suffered debilitating stroke or other brain injury. Recently, we have been invited to begin wot•lzing with vets at the new Spinal Cord Injury Center. Additionally, we volunteer at St..loseph's Hospital in St. Paul where we visit patients in Behavioral Health, Substance Abuse and post-op mtits. rinally and equally important to us, we visit with our seniors citizens at Oalz Meadows. There we visit residents hl the Independent, Assisted-Living and Memoty Care facilities. Let us reiterate, ow• pet therapy activities are an insured volunteer endeavor under the direction of facility program ntanagers and coordinators. We are NOT breeders, NOT a rescue program and NOT dog collectors. We will not exceed four dogs ownership. We have ample space with quality subdued fencing. Always, ow• dogs are inside at night atxd when outdoors are always in the secure dog-run. Our dogs are always on leash and not allowed to freely run and not given to barking. In conversation with our neighbors, we are proactive in making inquiries to ensure there is no issue nor have we received any complaints. Your support allows us to maintain our scheduled visits with the added relief in keeping om• dogs enthusiastic participants and continue to make a difference to many in need. We appreciate your favorable consideration in this matter~~~ r Sharon and Paul Anderson 18