“WHO WE ARE”
The Penny’s From Heaven Foundation
consists of a hard core group of exceptional therapy dogs,
ranging from 'Bak,' a Military Working Dog at Randolph AFB to
'Chance' our therapy dog that works at the Fisher House and in the
District Attorney's office and Children's Court with kids testifying
to abuse to a senior pastor's dog, 'Amazing Grace', at Coker
Methodist Church who works with soldiers and parishioners alike.
Meeting
an extreme need,
most of our dog
teams are now also involved with the wounded warriors coming back
from Iraq/Afghanistan. Their work
centers at the Fisher Houses, The Barracks at BAMC (Brooke Army
Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas) and HealthSouth RIOSA
(Rehabilitation Institute of San Antonio.) These soldiers are
amputees, severe burn survivors, many with a traumatic brain
injuries.
Penny’s From Heaven Foundation has
the first therapy dogs anywhere that are part of neuro-psychology
group support sessions with the wounded soldiers,
both male and female. It is in these sessions that breakthroughs
often occur in the presence of these remarkable dogs.
The Foundation is honored to be in
partnership with Soldiers' Angels and U.S. War Dogs,
working to provide much needed 'comfort' supplies for our Military
Working Dogs in Iraq and Afghanistan. Penny's from Heaven Foundation
therapy dogs are also on "High Alert" with Soldiers' Angels to
assist incoming wounded warriors with severe depression and to offer
aid and comfort wherever it is needed with the families of the
soldiers.
THE PENNY’S FROM HEAVEN FOUNDATION is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization that evaluates, tests, trains, qualifies, and assists therapy dog/handler teams in order to provide loving, nurturing and compassionate visitation in nursing homes, hospitals, psychiatric facilities, senior residences, schools, private homes, military care facilities, and other locations where emotional support dogs are indispensable.
Our mission is providing physical and
emotional rehabilitation through pet assisted therapy.
Our program objectives are as follows:
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Honoring America’s fallen heroes by
providing support and encouragement to our service men and women
in rehabilitation, through pet assisted therapy, offering hope
and inspiration to them, as well as their families.
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Nurturing, training, and caring for
the special dogs that provide therapy or service.
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Affording advancement and
encouragement to any person, or persons, in a rehabilitation
environment through pet assisted therapy.
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Promoting and educating others
through stories of healing, service, and courage exhibited by
these animals, patients, or persons who have served our nation.
Memorial contributions to further Penny’s work may be made to:
Penny’s From Heaven Foundation, Inc.
1915 Eagle Meadow
San Antonio, TX 78248
February 20th, 1996 – March 27th, 2009
I will look for you in all things.
I will see your face in the faces of your patients yet to come and in every golden, sunny day.
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News & Events
Penny's From Heaven Foundation therapy dogs
were featured on the Discovery Health Network's
"PETS AND PEOPLE: THE POWER OF PAWS" hosted by
Animal Planet's Jeff Corwin. Click to view the
video.
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CNN's Robin Meade, with
Robin and Company,
flew to San Antonio to do a feature with our Paws On
Therapy Dogs and wounded soldiers at the Fisher
House.
One of whom will be featured in
Cosmopolitan Magazine
as only one of ten female amputees from Iraq. Tara
attributes her 'dramatic turn around' to interaction
with one of our therapy dogs.
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Volunteer of the Quarter
Richard Schmidt
Richard Schmidt is an attorney and CPA. His practice emphasizes Special Needs Planning and Benefits for the Disabled and Elderly. He functions as general counsel for Penny’s From Heaven Foundation, Inc. and visits wounded warriors with the therapy teams when possible. His other significant interest is in assisting disabled persons to participate in running/wheelchair events and is the San Antonio representative for Achilles Track Club.
Richard has tirelessly donated his time to Penny’s from Heaven Foundation since its inception three years ago. He set up the foundation, manages the books, set up the 501 (c) (3), and much more. He has consistently and patiently seen us through the best and worst of times. We would not be here if it weren’t for his commitment to our mission and his passionate belief in what we stand for.
His golden retriever Buck is his personal therapy dog. Buck is a little too old to be considered for official therapy dog status, but Richard handles ‘Kelsie’ whenever he has the time or whenever he is needed.
He is our hero and our outstanding VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER.
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