Hello Volunteers,

Welcome to the St Francis Dog Therapy Group.  With the help of the parishioners of St Oliver Plunkett we are starting a group for dog lovers. You do not have to be a member of the parish to join us as all are very welcome! The parish is located in Snellville and that is where the meetings will be held. Our goal is to let our pets bring love to those in need.

If you are interested in joining our group or finding out more information please send emails to ktesundowner@aol.com or call Laurie Trocheck at 678-478-4376.   You may also contact  Corry Trocheck at 678-984-5401.

Recent Events!

After a few months of practicing under the leadership of Laurie Trocheck, the St. Francis Dog Therapy Group is happy to announce 3 dog/handler teams passed the testing requirements to become certified under Therapy Dogs International on May 8th.  Congratulations to Mary Beth Sutherlin and Leo, Laurie Trocheck and Ruthie and Julie Morgan and Lucca!!!

Once the handlers receive their official certification and handler’s packet from TDI they can schedule to go on training visits with Atlanta Thera Paws volunteers. After the training visits are conducted, the St Francis Dog Therapy Group can begin scheduling visits to provide comfort and companionship to those in need in our local area. Future visits may include  Senior Centers, Libraries, Hospitals and Home Visits or wherever the need may be.

If you would like to join in the fun, it is necessary that all dogs have their current vaccinations, arrive with a collar and leash and owners bring some training treats. Notifications for meeting/ practice sessions and ministry updates are made by email. If you would like to be added to the email list of current and future volunteers email Kelly Johnson at rekmjohnson@att.net.

        Ruthie and her sons  Leo and Lucca!!

     Bred at  Abounding Grace Doodles!

We are also very proud of Jenny with  Belle and Pam with  Mac who also came and participated in  the testing. They showed excellent handling skills and gained experience that will ensure  their success during the certification process. 

Pam, Mac, Jenny and Belle

Belle demonstrates perfect obedience during the "separation" segment of the test.

Mac maintains wonderful eye contact while responding to Pams command during the stay segment of the testing.

St. Francis and the Wolf 

Perhaps the most famous story of St. Francis is when he tamed the wolf that was terrorizing the people of Gubbio. While Francis was staying in that town he learned of a wolf so ravenous that it was not only killing and eating animals, but people, too. The people took up arms and went after it, but those who encountered the wolf perished at its sharp teeth. Villagers became afraid to leave the city walls.

Francis had pity on the people and decided to go out and meet the wolf. He was desperately warned by the people, but he insisted that God would take care of him. A brave friar and several peasants accompanied Francis outside the city gate. But soon the peasants lost heart and said they would go no farther.

Francis and his companion began to walk on. Suddenly the wolf, jaws agape, charged out of the woods at the couple. Francis made the Sign of the Cross toward it. The power of God caused the wolf to slow down and to close its mouth.

Then Francis called out to the creature: “Come to me, Brother Wolf. In the name of Christ, I order you not to hurt anyone.” At that moment the wolf lowered its head and lay down at St. Francis’ feet, meek as a lamb.

St. Francis explained to the wolf that he had been terrorizing the people, killing not only animals, but humans who are made in the image of God. “Brother Wolf,” said Francis, “I want to make peace between you and the people of Gubbio. They will harm you no more and you must no longer harm them. All past crimes are to be forgiven.”

The wolf showed its assent by moving its body and nodding its head. Then to the absolute surprise of the gathering crowd, Francis asked the wolf to make a pledge. As St. Francis extended his hand to receive the pledge, so the wolf extended its front paw and placed it into the saint’s hand. Then Francis commanded the wolf to follow him into town to make a peace pact with the townspeople. The wolf meekly followed St. Francis.

By the time they got to the town square, everyone was there to witness the miracle. With the wolf at his side, Francis gave the town a sermon on the wondrous and fearful love of God, calling them to repent from all their sins. Then he offered the townspeople peace, on behalf of the wolf. The townspeople promised in a loud voice to feed the wolf. Then Francis asked the wolf if he would live in peace under those terms. He bowed his head and twisted his body in a way that convinced everyone he accepted the pact. Then once again the wolf placed its paw in Francis’ hand as a sign of the pact.

From that day on the people kept the pact they had made. The wolf lived for two years among the townspeople, going from door to door for food. It hurt no one and no one hurt it. Even the dogs did not bark at it. When the wolf finally died of old age, the people of Gubbio were sad. The wolf’s peaceful ways had been a living reminder to them of the wonders, patience, virtues and holiness of St. Francis. It had been a living symbol of the power and providence of the living God.

St Francis is the Patron Saint of Animals and the enviroment for more information on St. Francis and his life visit    http://www.americancatholic.org/features/default.aspx?id=16