To celebrate the release of our new coloring and activity book, Let’s Go with NEADS Service Dogs Arnie and Zara, NEADS will be donating 1 copy for every book purchased to Franciscan Children’s Hospital (up to 200 copies). Written and designed by our own Lori Barrett, NEADS Creative Media Specialist, this fun and educational “A to Z” activity/coloring book is centered around words and phrases related to Service Dogs and is ideal for children ages 4-10. Let’s Go can be purchased online through the NEADS Shop.

We anticipate great community support for this initiative and will make an advance delivery of books at the end of March.

“While our day-to-day focus is making sure NEADS dogs and staff continue to be safe and healthy, NEADS wanted to do something to bring joy in these uncertain times,” says Cathy Zemaitis, NEADS Director of Development. “We realize that having children at home unexpectedly can be challenging, and we hope Let’s Go will be a welcome diversion. And people who buy the books can feel good that they’re also helping children in need. NEADS Assistance Dog Marcus works at Franciscan Children’s, so the hospital was a logical partner.”

“Like other hospitals, we’ve had to put strict visitor policies in place due to COVID-19,” says Matthew Lynch, Communications Specialist, Franciscan Children’s. “This will certainly help bring a light to our patients’ lives when they may be receiving fewer visitors than normal, and for that we are so grateful.”​

This is part of our COVID-19 coverage. See related updates here.