2020 AKC Humane Fund ACE Winner: Therapy Dog / Monson the Dalmatian

Photo:  AKC Humane Fund
Photo: AKC Humane Fund

“Monson,” officially known as CH Yankee Sebago & Patch Mt Miles To Go Monson CGCU, BN, RA, TDIAOV, THDX, TKP, OAP, OJP, NFP, CC, RD is a nine-year-old Dalmatian owned by Melissa MacWilliams of Buxton, ME. Monson has competed in various AKC sports, including Conformation, Agility, Rally, and Obedience, but his work as a therapy dog is where he truly stands out.

As part of his extensive list of therapy work, Monson visits a teen shelter to provide love and comfort to homeless adolescents struggling with mental illness, abuse, addiction, PTSD, and gender identity. Monson also provides comfort at an organization for adults who are transitioning from homelessness and struggling with alcoholism, drug addiction and mental health issues.

Additionally, Monson and Melissa visit a local nursing home every week and provide comfort at local schools. The therapy team visits Universities to offer stress relief for students during exam weeks, participates in a reading program at a middle school and visits a high school to provide a welcome break for students who are stressed or upset. When the COVID-19 pandemic halted his in-person visits, Monson and his owner created videos to stay connected and donated essentials to the school to assist students in need. Monson has become such a staple at the local high school, he was listed as a staff member in the 2020 yearbook.

Congratulations to Monson and kudos to all of the competitors.

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

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