Fourteen Therapy Dog Teams Graduate, Expand Volunteer Resources in Beltrami County

The Paul Bunyan Dog Training Association announced the newest group of Therapy Dog Training graduates following a class session held in late November. Fourteen handlers and their dogs completed the program and were photographed together in a class image labeled 2025 Fall Thurs TD class JPG. The group included a range of handlers and breeds that have just met the association standards for volunteer therapy work.

The announcement named the graduates as Laura Affield and Mocha, Kori/Martin Geiger and Greta, Zane Halse and Stella, Karrie Hanson and Winchester, Kristi Garbow and Pippa, Sherry Holloway and Dudley, Carol/Hailey Johnson and Myla, Michael Kelsey and Jazzy, Kathy Lamping and Frank, Lexie Lofgren and Sis, Jennifer Martinson and Roux, Donna Morris and Omega, Kim Newstrand and Abbee, and Colleen Zea and Bryzzo. The group photo identified those pictured in front as Karrie Hanson and Winchester, Colleen Zea and Bryzzo, Donna Morris and Omega, and Jen Martinson and Roux. In the back row the photo showed Lexie Lofgren and Sis, Hailey and Carol Johnson with Myla, and Martin and Kori Geiger with Greta.

Program materials indicated the graduates completed volunteer training aligned with standards of practice through animal assisted activities and therapy dog team training course materials. Each dog passed a basic health screening and a Therapy Dog Skills and Aptitude Test. The association noted that some of the dogs will be certified as AKC Canine Good Citizens, adding an additional credential for teams seeking placements.

For Beltrami County residents the immediate impact is expanded capacity for volunteer visits that can support hospitals, clinics, schools, and long term care settings. For institutions that host therapy dog teams the new graduates underscore the need for clear policies on volunteer coordination, health screening, and liability coverage. County agencies and nonprofit partners may need to review their volunteer onboarding and insurance practices to integrate additional teams while maintaining infection control and safety standards.

The new cohort also reflects sustained local civic engagement. As therapy dog teams begin placements, officials and host organizations will be able to evaluate how these volunteers contribute to patient well being, educational settings, and community programming across Beltrami County.