Farrell with trainer Eva
Each therapy dog in the Rescue Dogs Rescue Soldiers program is named after a fallen soldier. Farrell, who was pulled from Animal Care Centers of NYC at eight weeks of age, is named after the late Sgt. Shawn Farrell, a soldier who was killed in action in Afghanistan.
After receiving permission from Sgt. Shawn Farrell’s family to name Farrell in his honor, we sent them regular updates on her training and her activities as a therapy dog at the Rikers Island Correctional Facility. This connection between the family of a fallen soldier and the namesake therapy dog provides a measure of healing and closure for families in mourning. Farrell was subsequently invited to attend a memorial event in honor of Sgt. Farrell. Upon arrival at the memorial, Farrell made her way through the crowd and walked immediately into a circle of young men. As the young men visited with Farrell, we learned that they had served with Sgt. Farrell as part of his unit. We were also introduced to Sgt. Farrell’s immediate family.
Just as we have witnessed countless times during her therapy sessions at Rikers Island, Farrell brought comfort and healing to those in attendance at the memorial. It was beautiful to see the connection between those who had loved and cared for Sgt. Shawn Farrell, and the rescue dog who was given a second chance at life in honor of Sgt. Farrell.
The RDRS Pet Therapy program
We Need Your Support
We have been working with juveniles at Rikers Island for a year and a half. We currently have a dog living with a select group of young men there. They are helping to train our dog Hawkins who is being trained to work with a veteran.
Part of our community outreach is bringing our amazing dogs into schools, nursing homes, and juvenile detention centers. We have the ability to help children through the power of our dogs. Help us so we can continue to dogs, juveniles, and veterans.