REACH K9 Honors “a Chance for Therapy” with New Scholarship Fund
Scholarship will assist with costs for canine therapy training.
When Rita Flippen was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, a Goldendoodle named Moses set her on the path for helping others through nerve-wracking situations. Then an administrative assist
ant in the Nottoway County (Va.) Attorney’s Office, Rita decided to get a puppy and train it as a therapy dog for victims and witnesses in the office.
Chance, a Goldendoodle, was born to a litter in Chesterfield, Va., on March 1, 2018. He and Rita began their journey together shortly after, and Rita took Chance with her everywhere. They started puppy training with Deborah Moore at Siriusly Canine (Bon Air, Va.), earned their Canine Good Citizen title, and moved on to therapy training with instructors Bridgette Ashmore and Jaime Ranck of REACH K9 (Powhatan, Va.) after the first COVID lockdowns in 2020.
“While we were training, the position of Victim/Witness Director became available in our office,” Rita said. “I applied and got the job, and Chance and I became a crime-fighting team. He served in the courthouse assisting victims and bringing comfort before and after testifying for cases. He had the most loving heart, and if he heard anyone near him was upset, he would go to them immediately and put his head on their lap. Everyone loved him!”
The pair competed in their first rally event in 2021 at Jaime’s suggestion. Although Rita had no previous experience and tried it just to have fun, both she and Chance caught the bug and continued to compete until Chance passed away recently after a tragic car accident.
“Chance was a world-class therapy dog, and Rita and Chance were such a great team,” Bridgette said. “They were just so connected with each other. He was amazing at his job, especially with children.”
To honor his legacy, REACH K9 hosted a WCRL trial at All Dog Adventures (Richmond, Va.), in May, with special memorial ribbons handed out by Rita. They have also set up a scholarship fund to assist with the costs associated with canine therapy training. Awards will be granted on a case-by-case basis, and more information can be found on the REACH K9 Therapy/Service Dogs website.