![Halo, the caring canine companion shares meet-and-greet with a young event-goer on Thursday. [Photo by John Athanason]](https://www.hernandosun.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_6419-scaled.jpg "IMG_6419")
Brooksville, FL – On December 19th, Caring K9s Therapy Dogs got in on the holiday festivities in Hernando County by participating in the 2nd Annual Family Sensory Christmas Celebration. Hosted by Brooksville Main Street, the event took place on Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Taking place at Hernando Park (205 East Fort Dade Avenue), the free event was designed with families and children with sensory sensitivities in mind. Caring K9s offered those families the chance to “meet and interact with our compassionate therapy dogs in a calm, sensory-friendly setting.”
The group’s goal was for the canine companions to serve as a relaxing presence for all event-goers young and old. The afternoon included several highlights:
—A Meet-and-Greet with the stars of the evening – the Caring K9s.
—A visit from Kris Kringle himself. A family-friendly photo-op with a sensory-sensitive Big Red was also a primary attraction.
—The viewing of a classic Christmas film in a setting inspired by the popular board game Candy Land.
—There were holiday-themed crafts, “sensory play stations,” and a Christmas Craft Market.
“Being part of this heartwarming event aligns with our mission to provide comfort, connection, and joy through the unconditional love of therapy dogs,” said DJ Gwilt, founder of Caring K9s. “The Family Sensory Christmas Celebration gives us a chance to share the magic of the season in a way that welcomes and embraces everyone.”
Caring K9s Therapy Dogs, a non-profit organization, works to enhance people’s lives through the kindness, love, and companionship offered by their furry friends. These amazing animals bring healing and help to connect people no matter where they go.
Though Christmas is right around the corner, that does not mean the holiday fun is over just yet. Roughly a week after the big day, Brooksville will ring in the New Year with the Tangerine Drop on December 31.
This celebration will ring in 2025 with live music, food vendors and more. Stay locked in with the Hernando Sun as we will be on the lookout for even more festivities heading into next year.
