Dogs are some of the best friends people will ever have.
Kathleen Heffernan knows this because she brings therapy dogs to children facing various challenges as a psychologist in the Broward County Public Schools.
“A child may be struggling, lonely, or sad, and a therapy dog will offer comfort. I bring therapy dogs to students, and they are helpful,” said Heffernan.
A volunteer with Suncoast Basset Rescue, a statewide organization that provides homes for basset hounds, Heffernan loves dogs and knows how they can provide companionship to individuals. She has seen how a basset can brighten someone’s day. Suncoast works with people who want a basset hound to determine if they can offer a good home for one.
Kathleen Heffernan, a school psychologist and a volunteer with Suncoast Basset rescue with her basset hounds. {David Volz}
Suncoast was one of the organizations that participated in the Coconut Creek Annual Dog Expo at Windmill Park on April 19. The event featured dog placement and training services, dog food and treat distributors, and dog healthcare providers. The Coconut Creek Police Department also gave a K-9 demonstration.
Dr. Marcelle Dias Appelblatt, a veterinarian, and her husband, Brian Appelblatt, plan to open Urban Pawz, an animal clinic located at 5463 Lyons Road in Coconut Creek, in July. They attended the event and met with dog owners. Brian, who is not a veterinarian, will serve as CEO.
“Our mission is to promote healing by combining high-quality medicine, a modern environment, and happy people,” said Marcelle.
Military veterans and first responders who want a service dog could meet with Deborah Kalmus, founder and CEO of 2gether Furever. “We determine the type of service dog that a veteran needs and then train them together,” said Kalmus.
Dr. Marcelle Dias Appelblatt and her husband Brian Appelblatt will open an animal clinic in July in Coconut Creek. {David Volz}
Those who want training for their dog can meet with Josh Krone, a co-owner of Zoom Room, located in Margate.
“We offer indoor training and positive reinforcement for dogs. We train dogs and their owners together,” said Krone.
Got News in Coconut Creek? Send it Here. Don’t Miss reading NW Broward County’s #1 News Sites: Parkland Talk, Coconut Creek Talk, Coral Springs Talk, Margate Talk, Tamarac Talk, and Sunrise FL Talk.
Author Profile
Related
EventsApril 20, 2025Four-Legged Fun Takes Over Windmill Park at Coconut Creek Dog Expo
EventsApril 18, 2025Coconut Creek Holds Free Tree Giveaway at Arbor Day Event
NewsApril 16, 2025Coconut Creek Residents Can Expect Higher Water Prices
NewsApril 16, 2025Coconut Creek and School Board Agree to Improvements at Lyons Creek Middle School