Members of the Chester Women's Club were treated to a very special program at their regular monthly meeting on Nov. 22.
The guest speaker was Behesha Doan, founder and executive director of This Able Veteran and Extreme K-9 of Carbondale.
Doan's organization, fully funded by private donations, trains volunteers and service dogs and prepares veterans for an improved life with trained and personally matched service dogs.
Doan was accompanied to the meeting by a 3-year-old black lab named Lobo, who demonstrated his extensive training, all geared to assist veterans who suffer with forms of PTSD and associated trauma.
Members of the club were awestruck at the extent of Lobo's sensitive abilities.
Doan said This Able Veteran is the only agency of its kind in the U.S. She stressed the ways in which humans can learn important life lessons from dogs, from acceptance, self-reliance and gratitude.
A business meeting followed the program, conducted by President Chris Bowles. A special guest, Kitty Bays, was welcomed and new members in attendance were Marla Cushman and Nancy Urquhart.
Members were reminded that tickets are still available for the club's annual Christmas luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 19 at the Chester Country Club. The starting time has been changed to 11:30 a.m.
Entertainment will be provided by the Chester High School Swing Choir, under the direction of Steve Colonel. To make a reservation, contact Treasurer Jane Stallman no later than Dec. 9. Tickets are $15 per person.
Hostesses on Nov. 22 were Toni Hosick, chairman; Ruth Rowley, Emily Lyons and Mary Ann Stumpe.
