22/06/2024
Healing Paws: The Heartwarming Story of Heidi and Judy's Journey
Looking for an engaging and uplifting way to spend your Tuesday afternoon? Join Judy Archibald and her lovable German shepherd mix, Heidi, for the inspiring program “From Shelter to Therapy Dog” at the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center. Come hear their incredible journey on Tuesday, June 25, from 12:00-1:00 at 1760 Olympian Lane. This free event is open to all—don’t miss out!
Two years ago, Judy adopted a one-year-old German shepherd/husky mix from Fort Morgan Animal Shelter. Because Heidi had such a gentle, tolerant nature, she readily took to her therapy dog training classes. After several weeks of training, Heidi passed the test to become a certified therapy dog. During the past year, Heidi has been visiting toddler story times, assisted living facilities, Memory Cafe gatherings, home-bound patients, and weekly gatherings with Middle School Students.
Judy, a resident of Estes Park for 32 years, has been a writer most of her life. Her children's picture book, The Mutt & the Mustang, illustrated by Estes Park artist Patricia Greenberg, is based on the true story of a rescued horse who became friends with a small dog, letting him ride on his back every day. This fascinating book won First Place United States and Canada from the Independent Book Publishing Association. Judy has had both fiction and nonfiction books published by major publishers and for 25 years wrote feature articles for national art magazines, including Wildlife Art, Southwest Art, and Sculpture Forum.
In 1996, after her husband, wildlife sculptor Brian Archibald, died of cancer, she led the effort, along with local Rotary clubs, to fund the installation of his life-size bronze sculpture of a cougar, Canyon Spirit Legacy, on Riverside Drive in Estes Park. She later built and operated Canyon Spirit Art Gallery on Highway 34 and served as Director of the Colorado Governor's Annual Art Exhibit at the Loveland Museum for ten years. Currently, Judy coordinates the Artist Charitable Fund, a nonprofit that helps pay medical bills for artists in crisis. Please come meet Judy and Heidi and learn about the healing benefits of therapy dogs.
For the presentation, you are welcome to bring your own lunch or pre-purchase a hot meal. Place your order before 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 24. For this event, the Senior Center will be serving a BBQ Platter of beef brisket and pulled pork, with baked beans and coleslaw. The cost is $7 for EPSCC members and $11 for non-members. If you become an EPSCC member for just $35 per year, you will not only enjoy meal discounts but also gain access to all the amazing activities. For more information about the EPSCC or to order a meal for the presentation, please call the Senior Center at (970) 581-2195.
