Pet therapists visit girls from Troop 808

Members of Girl Scout Troop 808 — fourth graders from Hewitt Elementary School — recently earned their Bronze Award by becoming aware about animals, animal shelters and how they can help animals in their community. They were joined by Mo and Casey Dia, pet therapy dogs from the volunteer program at the Bide-a-Wee Shelter in Wantagh. The dogs made a visit to Troop 808 and showed the girls how they help others through reading programs for children in local schools and libraries, and by visiting hospitals and nursing homes. The girls also learned about the care that goes with owning a pet therapy dog. From left, in the bottom of the photo are, Sydney Abate, Ailis DeTommaso, Laura Cecere, Emma Waite, Jacqueline Ray, Sarah Alaimo and Kelly DiLuccio. In the second row are Lizzie Sweeney, Claire Quigley, Sionhan Milan and Kate Dorilio. Standing are Olivia Watterson, Maria Brunetta and Christine Ianiello.