Meet Our Volunteers!

Janine

We are fortunate to volunteer with our pet partners. It is here that we would like to pay tribute to our pets who have passed away.

They are not forgotten, but thought of often with great fondness. We remember their loyalty to those they visited, and know
that they were content to have a job so instrumental in bringing a certain peace to those who became their extended family.

Darby

Waddy

Maverick

Eleanor

Berlin

Duchess

Sawyer

Dixie

Scotch

Marley

Cruze

Willa

Just after her first year of age, Shana began her job as a resource/facility dog at Skyview Elementary with her owner, Terri Smith, Special Educator. Terri saw the need for students diagnosed with a variety of emotional disturbances and oppositional disorders to learn an alternative way of functioning in their society. Her curriculum was written for Shana; D.A.R.E. was an acronym for the "need to delay all thoughts and acts, assess the situation- people, objects, and feelings- to learn methods of responding effectively instead of reacting inappropriately , and then self evaluation with a trusted professional."

Shana was on staff at Yukon Public Schools as a student behavioral assistance therapy dog until her retirement in 2005. H.A.L.O. was founded with individuals who like Terri, felt the beauty of sharing an engaging, intelligent being of great instinct with others. Shana and Terri went on to work for the state of Oklahoma until the death of this remarkable German Shepherd. Fifteen years of life with her working dog was the greatest blessing for Terri, as she knows it is for all who find themselves holding the leash of a tremendous emotional and physical resource to those in need.

After Shana's death, H.A.L.O. gave Terri the gift of designing this memorial bench for the purpose of remembering all wonderful dogs that have passed away, but will never be forgotten.