Fox News 8 filmed this story on Healing Companions, Inc.
Dogs have long been considered ‘man’s best friend.’ But, for one local woman, they have certainly earned the title.
Amanda says after she tried to commit suicide, her first dog saved her life; and now, her second dog helps handle the challenges of her PTSD.
Watch Melissa Reid’s story above for more.
Brenda Keltner’s family witnessed first hand what a difference a healing companion made in their sister’s life and decided they would like to help make that possible for others.
Brenda recently passed away in St. Mary’s Ohio. She was born on September 12, 1963, in Van Wert, Ohio to Gayle and Margaret (Faller) Keltner who preceded her in death.
She is survived by her siblings, Joyce (Don) Sonnastine of Wadsworth, Ohio, Richard Keltner of Van Wert, Gary (Renee) Keltner of Phoenix, AZ, Larry (Kathy) Keltner of Tucson, AZ, Debra Smith of Convoy, Jan (Doug) Jones of Venedocia, and Linda Keltner of Boston, MA. Her numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews were very special to her.
Her dog Dinky was her loving companion. She had also rescued Monty, Too, and Cosmo, loyal companions who previously shared her life.
Brenda was a 1981 graduate of Lincolnview High School. She graduated in 1985 from Ohio Northern University. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the Moritz College of Law at the Ohio State University. Formerly an Assistant Prosecutor for the City of Columbus, Ohio, Brenda had presented several cases before the Ohio State Supreme Court. Always an advocate for the marginalized and those less fortunate, Brenda took time to help those who needed help.
She treasured her family. Her generosity, thoughtfulness, along with her amazing, joyful laugh and sense of humor will be remembered and missed by all those who knew her.
The family has requested donations to honor Brenda be sent to Healing Companions. If you would like to donate, click here. If you would like us to let the family know about your donation, just click here to email us and we’ll forward a note to them on your behalf.
Healing Companions, Inc. is participating in GivingTuesday – a global day of giving…Our goal is to raise awareness of the use of Psychiatric Services Dogs in helping those with mental illness lead a full life.
In providing PSDs to those in need we not only save the lives of shelter dogs that would otherwise be euthanized but also assist those with mental illness and give training to inmates who can use their new found skills to find jobs when they are released.
Please consider a donation to Healing Companions as part of your GivingTuesday!
#GivingTuesday is a special day for all charities. However, we hope you will take the time to remember Healing Companions, Inc. all year long. All your gifts large and small are equally appreciated! Since we know people give in many different ways we have done our best to make it easy to give to Healing Companions. You can of course give directly or join us in the Tower of Giving. You can help us raise money by letting your friends know you have given and encourage them through social media. You can even give during your everyday shopping through Amazon Smiles and CoinUp.
However you choose to give, know that we appreciate you and you will be contributing to a life altering experience for those that we serve.
November 29th is #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Following the shopping events of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season and is an international program that reached over 700,000 people last year alone. Healing Companions along with Coin Up are actively participating in #GivingTuesday and aiming to surpass last year’s success in a big way.
“Giving Tuesday’s message encourages individuals to give not just at this time of year, but all year round,” says Leena Patidar, chief executive officer of Coin Up. “Aligning with Giving Tuesday’s mission, Coin Up’s convenient mobile app allows donors to chose their charity and give incrementally throughout the year.”
In 2015, Giving Tuesday raised $116 million in one day. Immediately following Thanksgiving 2016, this year could be the best year yet, raising millions to help millions.
Healing Companions has recently partnered with Coin Up – the most innovative way to donate your spare change! Simply download the free Coin Up App here and select Healing Companions, Inc. as your charity, register your credit/debit card, and set a monthly limit. Coin Up’s advanced technology will virtually “round up” your transactions and automatically donate this spare change to Healing Companions on a monthly basis. Learn more about how Coin Up works at www.coinupapp.com and join the movement at https://www.givingtuesday.org/.
About Healing Companions, Inc.
Healing Companions, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to increasing awareness of and providing access to psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) as a form of treatment for mental illness.
About Coin Up:
Coin Up is an innovative mobile app that provides a platform for donors to give effortlessly and securely to their favorite charitable cause. Once downloaded and registered, the app will round up purchases made on your credit card or debit card and directly send funds to your chosen charity. The app is free to download and has been designed to simplify giving by using incremental spare change to create major social impact. Coin Up’s mission is to create a society that engages in charitable giving through the convenience of everyday transactions. For more information on Coin Up, visit the site at: https://www.coinupapp.com YOUR CHANGE. YOUR IMPACT @CoinUpApp