What Is A Therapy Dog?
Bruce Erickson is the CEO/Founder of the 17th Judicial Circuit Therapy Dog Volunteers, Inc. He and his 4-year-old golden retriever, Remi, make up on of the current 24 dog and handler teams of the organization.
Bruce received an Associate Degree in Electrical Science from Rock Valley College and worked as a Construction Electrician in his former life before therapy dogs became his focus in life.
He was an Army National Guard Lieutenant for 6 years; Bone Marrow Courier for MNDP for 18 years; CASA volunteer for over 15 years; has been a member of Alpine Kiwanis for over 10 years and served as President and as a Lieutenant Governor; a Youth Director at St. Mark Lutheran Church for 2 years; and has worked with the Blackhawk Area Council of the Boy Scouts for 48 years.
Bruce and his wife have three children and 6 grandchildren. In his spare time, he loves to travel with his wife, scuba dive, go camping and enjoys time with the grandkids.
The reason he started the Therapy Dog Program is that he enjoys working with children and adults that might need assistance in the courts and other locations around our county during stressful times.
As you will find out his organization is involved with more than the 17th Judicial Circuit Courts. They are also involved with over 25 schools, the Family Peace Center, Rockford Police Department, the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department, the Rockford 911 Center, and many other organizations.
Bruce will talk about how an idea and his first dog Bella turned into the organization that exists today including the problems he encountered along the way.
This will be an interesting and informative program and one to invite a guest or prospective member top join us in person at Memorial Hall or via zoom.
Jim Coffey will introduce our presenter and act as Rotary host.