Char Nash and Her "Newfies" Take Pet Therapy to a National Level

Grand Haven Tribune - January 5, 2010 Spring Lake - By working towards their Emergency Preparedness badge, Cub Scout Pack 3054, Den 3, is learning what it takes to become ready for a possible emergency situation.

On Monday night at Spring Lake Baptist Church, the scouts put together basic emergency supply kits from material donated from North Ottawa Community Hospital.   

In addition, Char Nash talked to them about the work she and her therapy trained Newfoundland dog, Lily, do to help in crisis situations.  They are certified Crisis Response Animal Team and are often called on when tragedies occur, Nash said.  

"We are here to give emotional recovery," Nash explained to the young scouts.  The Cub Scouts are working towards their Emergency Preparedness badge in honor of Chance Nash, the 11-year-old Nunica boy who died Dec. 31 following a sledding accident in Grand Haven, Den Leader Andrew Sprite said.  Sprite said he felt it was important to talk to the scouts about being prepared for all kinds of situations after Chance's death.  

"Our community offers many exciting activities all year long," Sprite said.  "As a Cub Scout leader, I find it important to instill thoughts of safety into each of our scouting lessons.  By doing so, I hope that if a child is in a situation that is out of their control, something they remember will come forward to assist him or her in any way."

Char Nash is not related to Chance Nash.  

To earn the Emergency Preparedness badge, the scouts must explain the buddy system, what to do in an emergency and natural disasters, skiing safety, ice skating safety, how to approach hurt or stray animals, and create a family first aid kit and a mini first aid kit.