Pete the Service Dog

Summer is over and everyone is back in the swing of school, but not Pete. This past summer, Pete the service dog came to Easter Seals Camp Challenge to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities and/or special needs. He is the sweetest, kindest two-year-old puppy you’ll ever meet, and is now a permanent part of the Easter Seals Camp Challenge family.

Maggie Denk, Camp Director at Easter Seals Camp Challenge, took Pete in through Pawsitive Action Foundation, an organization that provides affordable veterinary services, behavioral training, and relocation for abandoned dogs and cats. During The Family Café exhibit, Peggy Hoyt, a puppy trainer, saw the connection Pete and Maggie had and knew they would be a good fit for each other.

Before Pete came to Camp Challenge, he served as a therapy and emotional assistance dog. The skills he learned have already been put to good use several times. Maggie says, 

“My son Jay has severe asthma and when he and Pete are playing, Pete will come get me before I've even realized Jay is having a problem and needs his inhaler. It's such a relief knowing Pete keeps an eye on Jay. They are truly best friends.”  

Easter Seals Florida takes in an array of animals with disabilities and abilities and they in turn provide therapy for our children and adults with special needs and/or disabilities. Pete is an addition to our camp that makes it that much better. #EasterSeals  #Summer2013