Like diabetes and heart disease, mental illness is a health condition. In fact, mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States.

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, poor mental health and mental illness are not the same things. A person can experience poor mental health and not be diagnosed with a mental illness. Likewise, a person diagnosed with a mental illness can experience periods of physical, mental, and social well-being.

caring for an ill relative, or experiencing economic hardship, they may experience poor mental health.

In truth, there is no national certification for therapy animals. Most "certifications" are assigned by private clubs or groups of animal lovers who print their own diplomas and follow their own standards. The language in the Americans with Disabilities Act even allows individuals to train their own therapy dogs.

That said, Millie was trained at a kennel at Carbondale, Illinois. The name of the company is; "This Able Veteran" and is owned by a retired IL state trooper. She evaluated Millie when she was less than a year old and then made me wait until she was 18 months before she accepted her into her program. This company trains service dogs for disabled veterans and the training lasts for 36 months. Millie's training was specially designed for service in hospitals and nursing homes. She used basic k-9 training and then added becoming comfortable with distractions, medical equipment and gentle contacts with patients. Of course I needed as much training as Millie! Her program was 9 months with tons of experiences for both of us as homework.

She has worked with me ever since and will be seven years old this June. She has worked in daycares with children in addition to hospitals and nursing homes. I did a two year chaplain's internship at a VA hospital in Marion, IL, and Millie worked there too. One long term resident at the facility who was in a wheel chair would take Millie in the morning and I had to chase him down at the end of the day!

All this to say; Millie is a legitimate therapy dog and she will be an asset to Harmony in many ways.

We are grateful for an outstanding team of nurses. They are dedicated to Harmony's patients and their families. These talented group of professionals go above and beyond daily.

Cathy Swager, RNCM providing that "extra" loving care to one of her past patients.

RN Vanessa Kubly recently provided free blood pressure tests to residents and staff of Park Senior Villas at La Canada during their health expo.

During quarantine, our volunteers expressed their caring hearts in creative ways. With music, letter-writing and gift baskets, they were able to bring smiles to patients and their loved ones.