Rescue dog book signing to benefit new SPCA center

On Nov. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the The Willcox, there will be a special book signing and "paw graphing" by author Elise Lufkin and locally rescued therapy dog Serena.

All proceeds from book sales on this special evening will be dedicated to the building fund for the SPCA Education and Training Center portion of the new facility to be built on Willow Run Road.

The book, "To the Rescue," features dogs and one cat who have been saved by people who then turned their love for these animals into a mission to help their fellow man.

All of the brave animals featured were once discarded, abandoned or abused, but their unconditional love and bond with their human saviors gave inspiration to the desire to turn a bad past into an inspiring future.

Animal-adoption advocate Lufkin tells about therapy dogs who visit nursing homes, offer hospice patients relief and inspire injured veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.

The book features service, search-and-rescue and therapy dogs, including Serena, who was first saved from euthanasia by Molly's Militia, then adopted by Steve Briggs.

Her laid-back personality encouraged Steve to pursue pet therapy training with her.

In a short time, she attained a "complex" rating by the Delta Society, which is the highest level of certification and qualifies them to work under adverse and quickly changing situations.

In the Aiken-Augusta area, they visit Children's Place, local nursing homes, the veterans administration hospital, the Medical College of Georgia, MCG Children's Hospital and local schools.

The event at The Willcox on Sunday evening will be the launch of this wonderful book and an opportunity to meet a former shelter animal who could inspire adoption of a shelter pet and becoming an owner of a certified therapy pet.

The event is particularly important for the SPCA because it brings awareness to the Delta Society Pet Therapy Training program that the SPCA is in the planning stages of introducing in this community.

If you cannot attend the Sunday evening book signing, you can still purchase your issue from the SPCA shelter at 401 Wire Road or at the Thrift Store on Park Avenue.

All proceeds will be directed to the new Education and Training Center.

Need a special Christmas gift for that animal lover on your list? This is it.

Call the SPCA at 648-6863 or visit www.aikenspca.org.