The Kinsmen Inclusion Centre welcomed Bonnie Giacovelli and her service dog companion Kermit the Newf for a meet and greet on Aug. 6, much to the delight of the crowd.
Giacovelli and Kermit talked about the many roles that Kermit plays, and what that means for their daily lives. As a service dog and a therapy dog, Kermit helps Giacovelli with her multiple sclerosis symptoms.
As a draft dog, Kermit is able to pull a cart behind him to help Giacovelli with her errands, such as getting groceries. And, as a model and actor, Kermit has appeared in many print ads and commercials as well as his own picture books, to share his story with others.
Kermit’s the star of two children’s books, with more in the works, and he spends a lot of time out and about interacting with people.
Giacovelli read one of her books about Kermit, before answering questions about Kermit’s service dog training and taking Kermit around to meet everyone in the room.
Their appearances, like this one in Moose Jaw and Kermit's regular appearances at his local library in Florida as well as various schools, create visibility for service dogs and allows people to see Kermit and ask questions.