Photo Gallery | Ben the therapy dog earns major title

Owensboro's  certified therapy dog Ben recently recieved the Therapy Dogs International Exceptional Volunteer Achievement title.

Ben and his handler Bonnie Nance worked toward this achievement for over four years. They serve the Owensboro area by visiting nursing homes, Owensboro Mercy Health Systems, area schools, The Daniel Patino Shelter, and doing Hospice visits.

Also Ben is currently a Tail Waggin' Tutor at East View Elementary School. Students take turns reading to Ben. Teacher Stacy Small says reading with Ben has sparked a love of reading that wasn't there before her students meet him.

Ben's visits lift the spirits of the people in our community who are alone, sick, afraid, and just feel left out. He dresses up as Uncle Sam in July, Santa at Christmas, and something different each Halloween.

Ben and Bonnie are members of Therapy Dogs International the largest therapy dog group in the US and Canada.