BJC Disability Connection Group presents Paws with a Purpose: Celebrating Service and Support Dogs in the BJC Workplace

All BJC team members are invited to come and learn about the working dogs of BJC. Have your picture taken with puppies in training and attend a panel discussion that explores how dogs make the lives of their handlers, and those around them, so much better. The event is hosted by the BJC Disability Connection Group, 5-7 p.m., Oct. 30, at the BJC Learning Institute lower level auditorium. RSVP if you plan to attend.

The panel will feature:

• Dianne Peters, education director of CHAMP service dogs
• Kelly Moffatt, a BJC employee who uses an assistance dog
• Stephanie McDowell, a visually impaired Paraquad employee, and her dog Japan
• DUO volunteers and their therapy dogs

Time will be available to ask questions. After the discussion, meet the panel members and their dogs.

The Oct. 30 event will also include a pet food drive to benefit Bi State Pet Food Pantry, which provides emergency pet food to pets’ guardians during financially difficult times. The group will collect any size bags of dry dog and cat food, canned dog and cat food, dog and cat treats and cat litter, and accessories such as leashes and beds, whether new or used.

For more information or to join the BJC Disability Connection planning committee, email Deborah Springer.

Diversity and inclusion are a big part of BJC’s identity, and an important step to inclusiveness is connecting with and understanding one another. To learn more about BJC Connections groups and how to get involved, visit https://www.bjc.org/BJC-Connections.