Monroe County Clerk Linda Robbins receives her Valentine's Day box from Jillian Miller, executive director of ICAN, and one of the groups assistance dogs in training. David Snodgress | Herald-Times
Linda Robbins knew she was getting a valentine this week. She didn’t know her valentine would lick her face.
“Happy Valentine’s Day! Aren’t you sweet?” the Monroe County clerk said, kneeling down to pet Lily, a year-old half golden retriever, half yellow lab. Robbins was one of more than 50 county employees who received a “puppy valentine” through the Indiana Canine Assistance Network on Thursday. The puppies were provided by Placed for Purpose, a ministry started by Marcy Cook to mentor at-risk youth.
“I didn’t have any idea about this part of it,” Robbins said. “What a great day!”
Along with the visit, county employees were given a box filled with treats for dogs and humans, including cookies baked by prisoners through the Indiana Women’s Prison culinary department.
ICAN dogs are trained for two years by inmates and then placed as service animals for Hoosiers with disabilities. Dogs have found homes with veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, autistic schoolchildren and individuals who need assistance with mobility.
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