Erik and Rafter
The K-9 Care Unit is a group of volunteer pet therapy teams who enjoy sharing their special dogs with others. Our group was founded in 2003, inspired by a therapy dog named Rafter who was a cancer survivor, visiting a young Summerville boy with brain cancer.
K-9 Care Unit visits include: MUSC Adult and Children’s Hospitals, Veterans Hospital, monthly respite for special needs children, eldercare facilities, scout meetings, Walk for Autism, Camp Good Times (for autistic children and their siblings), Carolina Youth Development Center, schools where we teach kids responsible pet ownership, safety around dogs, and what therapy dogs are, and Woof to Read – a program in schools where a child reads to a therapy dog.
All K-9 Care Unit dogs are registered with one of the national pet therapy organizations which provide insurance while they are visiting as volunteers. To be registered, dogs have passed temperament testing and health screening and must be clean and well mannered.
Requirements for Registration: Your dog must be at least one year old and be good with all people as well as good with other dogs. It must have good manners – not jump on people and be able to walk on a leash without pulling. The dog should not be afraid of loud noises and medical equipment. It has to be in overall good health and current on vaccinations.
Any breed or mix of breeds of any size with the right temperament can be a therapy dog.
Rafter’s Trot for Canine Cancer Research
Trot for the Cure 2009
On January 10, 2010 the sixth annual Trot for the Cure was held at beautiful and historic Magnolia Gardens. Participants walked their dogs through the gardens, watched the entertaining Dixie Dancing Dogs, took part in a Q&A with many veterinary specialists, enjoyed a delicious barbeque by Southern Que-N-Stew, and won lots of raffle prizes! Although Rafter, the inspiration for the Trot was not there, his presence and spirit were felt everywhere.
The final Trot 2010 tally is over $18,000.00! Thanks for helping raise this amazing amount!
Thank you to all who supported the event – sponsors, volunteers, vets, friends and participants. Rafter lost his battle, but we will continue his fight against canine cancer. The event will honor his memory by becoming “Rafter’s Trot for Canine Cancer Research.”
