Imagine the sheer delight of a dog on a car ride — windows down, ears dancing in the breeze, their wet noses catching whiffs of the vibrant world speeding by.
Now, picture this: the journey itself becomes a destination of joy!
Subaru’s Las Vegas showroom, celebrated company-wide for its outstanding commitment to giving back, has turned up the charm with a furry twist — a lively pack of therapy dogs.
This captivating story began when Subaru of Las Vegas joined forces with the local powerhouse charity, Michael’s Angel Paws. This Nevada-based organization is on a mission to train service and therapy support dogs, offering solace to community members facing both physical and emotional challenges.
What started as your run-of-the-mill corporate charity connection has evolved into something extraordinary. As part of Subaru’s grand philanthropic vision under the spirited “Subaru Loves Pets” initiative, the Las Vegas retailer actively teams up with animal adoption and rescue groups nationwide, working to increase adoptions and rally funds for our furry friends in need.
Jennifer Vitale, the dynamic Assistant General Manager at Subaru of Las Vegas, spilled the beans to Good Good Good, revealing that their partnerships go beyond charity; they’re about building lasting connections with communities and customers. And this commitment goes the extra mile, turning their showroom not just pet-friendly but into a doggie paradise.
“Picture this: a dog park for our four-legged friends, plush pet beds for relaxation, a dedicated pet sink, and treats that cater to pets of all sizes,” Vitale shared in an email to Good Good Good.
But here’s the real magic: as you witness the heartwarming interactions between dogs, customers, and employees within our showroom, it hits you — dogs aren’t just companions; they’re purveyors of genuine love and bring an indescribable joy that ripples through everyone lucky enough to be around them. It’s a tail-wagging, joy-infused experience like no other!
In the realm of Subaru’s philanthropy, the Las Vegas location isn’t just about raising funds; it’s a hub of heartfelt initiatives. With an impressive $64,000 already contributed to Michael’s Angel Paws, the team at this Subaru haven, made up of passionate dog enthusiasts, refuses to hit the brakes.
Sure, they host annual adoption events to find homes for shelter pets – a noble cause in itself. But for these Subaru folks, it’s more than just about humans doing the saving. Dogs, with their boundless capacity for unconditional love, step into the spotlight. They become the unsung heroes, offering affection, comfort, and support in places like hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, and schools.
Jennifer Vitale, the driving force behind this canine compassion movement, shared, “Humans aren’t always the ones doing the saving. Dogs have this incredible ability to love unconditionally. They bring a unique brand of affection and comfort that can make a world of difference in various settings.”
But she didn’t stop at witnessing the beautiful bond between dogs and humans on the showroom floor. No, Vitale had a bigger vision — to extend that love beyond the dealership’s four walls.
Teaming up with the experts at Michael’s Angel Paws, Subaru of Las Vegas didn’t just stop at hosting events. Their employees rolled up their sleeves (and leashes!) and volunteered to become part-time dog trainers. Picture this: a team of Subaru enthusiasts transforming their own beloved pets into certified therapy dogs.
It’s not just about the dollars raised; it’s about the love unleashed. Subaru of Las Vegas is turning compassion into action, one wagging tail at a time.
Therapy dogs differ from service dogs, which are protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act and are trained as a working animal with special skills to specifically serve a handler with a disability.
Therapy dogs, on the other hand, are pets that are trained to provide affection and support and often volunteer in places like schools, hospitals, and nursing homes.
Still, this requires training. Vitale shared that Subaru employees who wanted to take their pups to the next level committed to weekly training sessions for 25 weeks.
“Each dog underwent an evaluation with a Michael’s Angel Paws trainer, who identified the best canines for the job based on temperament and ability to follow commands,” Vitale explained.
“25 weeks and a cumulative 500 hours of training later, we were proud to introduce the Subaru of Las Vegas therapy dog team: Momo, Jambo, Denver, and Frankie.”
Diving into the fascinating world of canine companionship, we unravel the distinction between therapy dogs and service dogs. The latter, safeguarded by the Americans With Disabilities Act, undergo rigorous training as specialized working animals, equipped with unique skills to serve a handler with a disability.
Now, enter the heartwarming realm of therapy dogs — not your average pets. These charismatic canines are trained to be ambassadors of affection and support, often lending their furry charm to volunteer work in places like schools, hospitals, and nursing homes.
Yet, the journey to becoming a therapy dog is no stroll in the park. Jennifer Vitale, the driving force behind Subaru’s canine crusade, spilled the details. Subaru employees, hungry to elevate their canine companions, immersed themselves in weekly training sessions spanning 25 weeks.
“Imagine this: each dog underwent a meticulous evaluation by a skilled trainer from Michael’s Angel Paws. We were on the lookout for canines with the ideal blend of temperament and an innate ability to follow commands,” Vitale elaborated.
Fast forward 25 weeks and a grand total of 500 hours of dedication later, and behold! The Subaru of Las Vegas therapy dog team takes center stage — featuring the irresistible quartet of Momo, Jambo, Denver, and Frankie. These aren’t just dogs; they’re the embodiment of dedication, charm, and a whole lot of tail-wagging joy.
In the tapestry of our community outreach, we weave threads of compassion through initiatives like microchipping clinics, backing programs that extend financial aid to those navigating the tightrope of veterinary costs for their furry companions, and championing the training of service dogs for individuals in our community with unique needs.
Reflecting on these endeavors, Vitale expressed, “The therapy dog program has been a revelation for us, revealing the profound potency of a dog’s love. It’s a force that ripples through every initiative, creating a symphony of warmth and care.” 🐾✨