DOYLESTOWN, PA, December 2, 2024—Holiday House Pet Resort is proud to announce its support for Angel On A Leash Therapy Dogs with a generous donation raised by its clients during the annual Halloween fundraiser. The resort is also launching a new CGC certification course for aspiring therapy dogs, furthering its commitment to community service and canine enrichment.
Angel On A Leash received $1500 from Holiday House Pet Resort & Training Center. The donation was made possible by clients of the pet resort’s dog daycare program. Pet parents who made a donation for AOAL had their dog’s photo taken in a Halloween costume. Bob Wharton, Director Emeritus of Angel On A Leash, and Maryellen Costanzo accepted the donation on behalf of the volunteer therapy dog organization.
Left to right: Mark Berkowitz, Alexiss Sweeney, Maryellen Costanzo with Dakota, Sean McHale, Bob Wharton, Ro Riley, Lindsay Smith, and Amanda Diehl
In addition to the Halloween event, Holiday House Pet Resort & Training Center held its inaugural Canine Good Citizen (CGC) preparation course throughout October with testing completed in early November. The course is a milestone in the resort’s expanding support of Angel On A Leash Therapy Dogs. Holiday House Pet Resort Training Director Mark Berkowitz developed and led the CGC preparation class, ensuring dogs and their owners were well-prepared for this important achievement. The resort is planning additional training sessions in 2025.
“Our relationship with Angel On A Leash allows us to support an incredible organization while providing resources and training to our clients who are passionate about giving back to their communities through therapy dog work,” said Berkowitz. “The success of our first CGC class is a testament to the dedication of these pet parents and their dogs.”
Six dogs successfully passed the CGC test, earning their certifications. The CGC test was administered by AKC Evaluators Bob Wharton and Maryellen Costanzo, both of whom are actively involved in Angel On A Leash Therapy Dogs. The CGC certification, developed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), is a first step for dogs aspiring to become therapy dogs.
The funds raised during the Halloween event and the success of the CGC preparation class reflect Holiday House Pet Resort’s commitment to making a difference in the local community. The resort continues to offer innovative training and enrichment programs to help pets and their owners achieve their goals.
“We are so grateful to Holiday House Pet Resort and the dedicated pet parents for their ongoing support of Angel On A Leash Therapy Dogs. Your generosity allows us to expand our reach and bring comfort, joy, and healing to individuals in Bucks County and beyond. With the resort’s growing commitment to therapy dog work, we can continue to grow our volunteer therapy dog teams and continue our mission,” said Bob Wharton.
The organization currently has over 100 therapy dog teams serving throughout Bucks, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Delaware, Lehigh, Luzerne, and Mercer counties in Pennsylvania as well as areas in New Jersey.
ABOUT ANGEL ON A LEASH
Angel on a Leash®, Inc. (AOAL), is a nonprofit organization that provides volunteer therapy dog handler teams (Champions) to visit with anyone that would benefit from the human-canine bond in enhancing human health and quality of life. All handler-dog teams (Champions) are tested, certified, registered by AOAL. Call 215-478-6762 or visit www.Facebook.com/skramer.AOAL or
info@angelonaleash-dog.org for information on how to become an “Angel on a Leash” member or to schedule one of the group’s dog handler teams to visit your school, nursing facility or other site out in the community.
ABOUT HOLIDAY HOUSE PET RESORT & TRAINING CENTER and DOYLESTOWN VETERINARY HOSPITAL & HOLISTIC PET CARE
Holiday House Pet Resort & Training Center offers overnight lodging for dogs and cats with activity packages, dog daycare, professional training programs, and grooming services. The resort is owned by Drs. Laura and Randy Weis, who also operate the Doylestown Veterinary Hospital & Holistic Pet Care, a full-service veterinary hospital located on the same property. For more information about Holiday House Pet Resort & Training Center, visit https://www.holidayhousepetresort.com or call 215-345-6960.