Photos of volunteer teams: Silver Paw Studio
The Human-Animal Bond in Colorado – HABIC center in Colorado State University’s School of Social Work has proudly announced the recipients of its annual volunteer awards, recognizing outstanding contributions from human-animal teams and an equine-assisted therapy facility.
Winnie Award – Volunteer of the Year
Anndevoy Ryan, a 1987 graduate of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences, along with her eight-year-old English Setter named Fingal, have been honored with the “Winnie Award” for Volunteer of the Year. This accolade celebrates a HABIC volunteer team who demonstrate exceptional dedication to advancing the organization’s mission both in their volunteer work and daily lives.
Ryan, who has volunteered with HABIC for five years with a particular focus on working in healthcare settings, has found the experience of volunteering with HABIC to be highly rewarding, from the comprehensive training to the ongoing support for therapy animal teams.
“I still can’t believe we are receiving this award,” said Ryan with humility. “I have found HABIC to be the best volunteering experience I’ve had—from training to opportunities to work, and the care always shown towards Fingal and myself over the years—I know you all have the same care for all teams.”
Ryan and Fingal obtained their HABIC certification as a therapy dog team in 2019 and have since devoted themselves to bringing comfort and companionship to those in need. From long-term care settings to healthcare waiting rooms, their impact has been profound, particularly during the challenges posed by the pandemic when they wrote letters to residents.
Ryan and Fingal currently work with patients and families at Loveland office of The Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado. “Fingal is enthusiastically greeted every time we go to the Women’s Clinic!” Ryan said. “It’s a treat to be with him there.”
Polly Award for volunteer work in healthcare
Ann Kusic and her Standard Poodle Icy have been recognized with the “Polly Award” for their exceptional contributions to animal-assisted services in healthcare settings.
Their dedication was evident from the start, as they travelled from Denver to participate in a 12-week training class in Fort Collins. Today, their weekly visits to The Denver Hospice offer solace and support to patients, families, and staff alike.
“I’d like folks to know that volunteering with Icy at hospice is very satisfying,” said Kusic. “Because she is a low-key dog to begin with, Icy works very well in this setting.”
Kusic and Icy’s gentle presence bring comfort to those facing difficult circumstances. “She provides quiet comfort to family members who may be having a very sad day, to staff who have very difficult jobs, and occasionally to patients, many of whom miss their own dogs.”
“The regular staff know Icy well, and really brighten up when they see us coming,” added Kusic. “Her presence is often a door-opener to patients and family members who are grieving. She genuinely enjoys these interactions, receiving lots of ear rubs and back scratches.”
Toby Award for volunteer work in schools
Mary Sirois and her beloved dog Sasha received the “Toby Award,” in recognition of their outstanding work in school settings. Since 2016, Sirois and Sasha have made a meaningful difference in the lives of students, offering support, encouragement, and a furry friend to lean on during challenging times.
Sirois feels that the relationship between a HABIC team and a student can be transformative. She recently received the following note from the school counselor with whom the pair have been collaborating in the Poudre School District since 2000:
I wanted to let you know that [the student] is doing awesome! He has really taken off and I can’t help but think it’s due in part to working with you and Sasha – he gained so much confidence working with you two.
This feedback about positive changes in a student’s confidence and behavior shows the profound impact of animal-assisted therapy in school settings. “It made me really appreciate how much a relationship with a HABIC team can truly help a student through some difficult times and become a better student and person!” Sirois said.
Community Partner Award
Colorado State University’s Temple Grandin Equine Center (TGEC) has been honored with the “Community Partner Award” for their invaluable collaboration with HABIC in providing animal-assisted interventions to individuals and communities. Through their support, HABIC was able to expand its reach and offer vital therapy dog training classes in Fort Collins and Denver.
Adam Daurio, Director of the Temple Grandin Equine Center and Associate Director of Equine Sciences at Colorado State University, expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, “The Temple Grandin Equine Center is proud to support Human-Animal Bond in Colorado. By providing facilities for HABIC’s training classes, we are furthering our shared vision of enhancing the bond between humans and animals for the benefit of all.”
About Human-Animal Bond in Colorado
Founded in 1993, Human-Animal Bond in Colorado (HABIC) is a center in the School of Social Work, part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences. HABIC’s mission is to improve the quality of life for people of all ages through the therapeutic benefits of companion animals, with particular focus in the areas of community outreach, teaching, and research.
