The Grand Reopening of the Kids and Canines’ facilities at Dorothy Thomas School was held on September 20, 2005 and it was a time for visitors, supporters and friends of the program to see what physical changes have been made and how the work and support of many has really profited. 

In 2003 the ING Company selected Jennifer Wise, Program Director, as their Unsung Hero of the year.  ING is a financial company that deals with retirement plans for teachers.  She was chosen by ING’s Educators Advisory Board which consists of seven educators from across the nation.  Education’s Unsung Hero Award is given to educators of grades K-12 for using innovative techniques in teaching children.  It was through this $27,000 award that the program was able to upgrade their facility.

Hillsborough County School board members, Kids and Canines Advisory Board members, and former recipients of trained dogs, made up the guest list of this invitation-only event.

Every speaker mentioned the hard work and dedication that goes into the Kids and Canines program and facilities, as well as the benefits of the program.  During the program, the ING Company honored and surprised Jennifer by naming the Kids and Canines program the “Best in Class” in the nation and presenting the program with a $10,000 award.

The guests were then shuttled, courtesy of HARTLINE, to the Kids and Canines facilities.  Guests served as witnesses to a ribbon cutting of the newly renovated facilities and were given guided tours by students of the program.

Where the running area was previously covered with mulch that could cause the dogs to become ill, the area is now paved and has awnings to shade the dogs while they exercise.
Another important addition is custom designed extra large dog cages for the animals to use when they are not training or not with their puppy raiser.

Where the grooming tables previously had carpet taped to them, now there are custom built tables to be used for grooming the dogs. 

After trying times with makeshift equipment the program now operates with new supplies and modern equipment.

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