Rescue dogs that rescue people; this is the phrase that might best describe K9 Partners for Patriots, which trains service canines that enhance and save lives every day.
And now, as its Spring 2024 Lecture Series continues, Academia Hernando welcomes Mary Peter, CMDT Founder/Executive Director of K9 Partners for Patriots, Inc., as she presents “The Healing Power of Service Dogs” at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill.
Academia Hernando is a not-for-profit lifelong learning organization providing quality instruction and learning experiences for adult students throughout Hernando County, and beyond. Their goal is to inform, educate and inspire adult learners through a series of weekly lectures on a wide variety of topics.
“K9 Partners for Patriots is dedicated to reducing the alarming rate of veteran suicide by empowering veterans with service-related challenges through expertly trained service dogs,” read an event notice. “We provide invaluable support, enhancing mental well-being and fostering independence. K9 Partners for Patriots creates life-changing bonds that restore lives and inspire hope.”
Some people see a need and use their training and skills to meet that need. Mary Peter is one such person. Peter, a certified master dog trainer (CMDT) with more than thirty years of experience, started K9 Partners for Patriots (K9P4P) in 2014 because she believed that properly trained dogs could save the lives of many veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress.
In delivering her presentation, Peter plans to introduce the Academia Hernando audience to some very special guests in the process. “Participants will have the opportunity to discover the vital role of service dogs in supporting program veterans with both mental and physical needs and disabilities,” she said. “Four of our accomplished veterans will share firsthand accounts of how their lives have been positively transformed by their service dogs.”
Karen Mitiu, an affiliate and one-time board member of Academia Hernando, recommended Peter to be a featured speaker in the Academia Hernando program. “Mary Peter is devoted to the mission of helping veterans, and animals,” she said. “Above all, she has the heart and devotion for both missions.”
“The Healing Power of Service Dogs” is the fourth presentation of the Spring 2024 series of Academia Hernando, which features a brilliant spectrum of topics, as delivered by the experts who know them best.
The season will continue on Feb. 9 with Michael Hayes’ “Americapalooza: Talk About Our Generation,” Feb. 16 with Don Philpott’s “Coastal, Inland and Freshwater Florida,” Feb. 23 with Sheryl Long’s “A Visual History of Mapmaking,” March 1 with Bruce Gobioff’s “The Science of Star Trek,” and a March 8 bus excursion or event.
Academia Hernando presentations begin promptly at 10 a.m. and last two hours with a 15-minute intermission. To register for the entire lecture series in addition to a March 8 mystery bus trip or event, print the registration form found at https://www.academiahernando.org/spring-series and mail with your check for $80 payable to Academia Hernando Inc. to: Bev Nuzzi
15027 Middle Fairway Drive
Brooksville, FL 34609
Checks also can be brought to an Academia Hernando presentation; in addition, walk-in admissions are available at $15 per presentation. Visit https://www.academiahernando.org/ for more information or call (352) 345-8345 or (352) 515-0300.
