Parker for 2014 AHA Hero Dog – Therapy

Parker Pup loves his work: He wears his Pet Partners vest as he visits hospitals and cancer centers as a therapy dog. – photo used with permission
Versatile Parker, Hero nominee
Parker is a talented dog actor and a handsome dog model. But more importantly, Parker is an incredible therapy dog.
A Golden Retriever, Parker stands 23 inches at the shoulder. His eyes are deep brown. His coat is golden. Everything about this dog is huggable and he gets lots of cuddles when he’s on the job.
Parker loves the hugs and now, he needs your votes.
Parker is in the running for the 2014 AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION HERO DOG AWARDS Therapy Dog. You can vote every day for him until the end of June.

Parker – Parker Pup – is asking for your vote. He is in the running for Therapy Dog Hero in the 2014 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards. – photo used with permission
As an 11-month-old Golden Retriever he earned his CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Certificate. Later he passed his evaluation with Pet Partners, formally known as Delta Society and became a registered therapy dog.
As a therapy dog, Parker stays busy visiting hospitals, cancer centers and medical centers. Parker works hard to raise awareness about cancer.
Parker and cancer awareness
His human mother, Jennifer McFarling, says the other half of the Parker therapy team, and her and Parker’s inspiration, is her dad, a cancer survivor. In 2006 Jennifer wasn’t sure she would have her father for long.
“When you’re faced with a diagnosis like that you tend to do a lot of bargaining,” Jennifer said, “and I always said if I was in a position to help the cause someday I would pay it forward. So we did that with training toward a complex-approved therapy team, as well as raising awareness about cancer in general.”
Jennifer’s father is cancer-free today and she and Parker are paying it forward.

Parker Pup models the vest he wears on cancer walks in which he carries the names of more than 2,000 people and animals who have battled cancer. – photo used with permission
Parker walks for cancer with Jennifer’s father. On the walks he wears a vest that carries the names of more than 2,000 people and animals who have battled cancer.
Parker’s life mission
His ParkerPup Facebook Mission Statement:
“My most important job in life, other than being part of a loving family, is to be a therapy dog. I work with cancer patients and also with children learning to read.
“I also work to raise funds and awareness for cancer prevention, treatment & hopefully a cure. I raise funds for Morris Animal Foundation, The American Cancer Society, and various other non-profits.”
Want to learn more about Parker? Visit his website or check him out on Facebook. Or, watch him walking for cancer.
Help Parker, a hero
Don’t you agree that Parker is a real dog hero? If so, please vote for him right now. It just takes a few seconds.
I think Parker Pup is am inspiration to all he reaches. I know he’s been an inspiration yo my 9 yr old granddaughter Janessa and myself. We recently rescued a black lab pup and are trying to trrain as a therapy dog because of his influence on us.
What a wonderful way to spread awareness, hope, love, smiles, and possitive attitude.
I can’t think of amythingore rewarding then to help those less fortunate to imrivh their lines, if only for a short time.
We also are looking into rescuing animals and hope to have training available to help others raise responsible dogs.
I pray this works out. I want to combine my passion for dogs, children and the elderly. the healthy. sick, abused, neglected & less fortunate. Can’t discriminate where to spread awareness, smiles, happiness, hope and love.
Thank you Parker Pup. If more Hans had your HEART what a.wonderful world we’d share.
Truely inspired in Indiana.
You’ve touched are hearts and lives forever. You truely are a Hero to us.
Keep up the awesome work. proud to call you our friend even if we’ve never met In person. Lots of Love Big Boy. Reser will learn so much from following in big brothers footsteps.
Lovingly,
Cathy, Janessa,Precious & Romeo in Indiana
Cathy, Janessa, Prescious & Romeo in Indiana,
We love that you love Parker. He spreads love, joy and hope.
Super wonderful that you are inspired to not only rescue a dog but are putting in the time and effort and love to train your lab as a therapy dog. Your desire to combine your passion for dogs, children and the elderly; and the sick, abused, neglected and less fortunate is an inspiration to me.
Love and light,
Rebecca
They are the best dogs therapy dogs
Rocelle,
They are pretty awesome!
Life is good,
Rebecca
Arthur and Lily,
Your vote is much appreciated. Parker is an incredible dog!
Life is good,
Rebecca