I first learned about the Human Animal Link of Oklahoma Foundation (H.A.L.O.) in March of this year from a banker that I have known for over 21 years. Gary Welsh, Sr. Vice President of First Bethany Bank & Trust-Bethany, OK, has been passionate about his dogs since the day I met him. However, it wasn’t until he described how he and his dog Sam volunteer with H.A.L.O. to provide animal assisted therapy, that I realized what fueled his passion.
H.A.L.O. believes in the health and wellness their pets deliver to those who find themselves in times of transition, trauma, or crisis. They are a driving force leading human beings of all ages, maybe for the first time ever, into experiencing a calm, no strings attached, sincere relationship. The volunteer dogs and their handlers make a positive impact at hospitals, nursing & retirement homes, libraries, schools and churches. They also assist with programs for hospice, veterans & their family members, mental health services, special needs children, Youth & Family Services and the Department of Human Services.
As I learned more about how H.A.L.O. makes a positive impact on peoples lives, I also became aware of the challenges the foundation faces with finding volunteers, facilities, expenses and gaining recognition & acceptance in the community. Currently, they are facing the challenge of replacing the yellow vests the volunteer dogs wear to their visits with light-weight bandannas that are cooler in the summer months and provide more access to the dogs during certain types of therapy. Not only do the vests need to be replaced with bandannas, the bandannas need to be embroidered with the H.A.L.O. logo and the volunteer dogs’ names. Garland Group saw the impact that H.A.L.O. makes in the community and decided to help kick off the new bandanna program.
H.A.L.O.’s Executive Director, Terri Smith and President, Jerry Nickell hosted an event on September 25, 2012. When I entered the facility I was floored that approximately 15 handlers took the time and effort to bring their volunteer dogs out for the event. As each handler introduced themselves and their volunteer dogs, one by one, they also shared a few details of the visits they make that positively impact peoples lives. Upon hearing these stories, I was truly humbled by them. In turn, I shared the Garland Heart philosophy and let them know that we were honored to be able to help them kick off the new volunteer bandanna program.
I have been invited to attend some future visits once the new bandanna program starts and I look forward to rekindling the many new friendships I made with the handlers and, more importantly, the volunteer dogs!