Where did you serve and what did you do?
Widow – United States Navy Veteran
VFW Red Rock Auxiliary #12156 – Auxiliary President
consolidated with
VFW John Lukac Auxiliary #12093 – Auxiliary President
VAVS Auxiliary Deputy Representative 2022/2023
Department of Nevada Auxiliary Hospital Chair 2022/2023
State of Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education – Vice-Chair and Veterans Commissioner
Nevada Soldier Foundation of Nevada – Board of Directors
Tell us how your dog is helping you continue #StillServing in your community.
Introducing K9 Kane! Twenty-five pounds of churning, burning Terrihuahua (Terrier/Chihuahua), lovingly adopted from A Path 4 Paws on June 27, 2021. Professionally trained and personally selected for hospital therapy certification by Heinz Lauer, CEC, of Wag An’ Train and Pets for Vets, and duly registered with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Owner/handler is Sharon Frederick, President of VFW John Lukac Auxiliary #12093. K9 Kane is co-sponsored by VFW John Lukac/Auxiliary #12093, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 17, and American Soldier Foundation of Nevada. He has completed PAWtastic hospital rounds at various Southern Nevada hospitals specifically dedicated to our veteran warriors. Kane and his handler have been charged with being the lead dog team to reinstate the canine hospital therapy program at VA Southern Nevada since the COVID outbreak. In addition, he has participated in PAWsome missions for Nevada Reading Week, Buddy Poppy events, Post/Auxiliary meetings, and Easter Egg Hunt for Creech Air Force Base.
Team K9 Kane – Shock and Paw!
Why do you do it?
Kane is my fifth hospital therapy dog, so I have been doing outreach for many years. In fact, my first dog was the first of six such canines in Southern Nevada. I love doing this outreach because it benefits hospital staff in addition to patients by providing a little bit of home and normalcy. All dogs do not have the “right stuff” to do this work! After spending three hours evaluating all the available adoptees, K9 Kane was the last dog evaluated and he was able to quickly certify with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. He even has personalized trading cards with his VFW bio listed on the back that are distributed to patients, staff, and any others who are interested in his mission. His trademark leash and vest are green camo and my truck has K9 Kane personalized Navy license plates (of course)!