Gulf Coast Pet Partners ®

I am Wilma Harris, Administrator of the GCPP website, Membership Coordinator, and GCPP Stastician. I formerly raised and showed AKC Doberman Pinchers both in Conformation and Obedience.  I trained my first Dobe, Cole, to his Companion Dog title with AKC and was part of the drill team.  I was a 4-H Advisor/trainer to the Dog Club during the time that my son and daughter were of 4-H age.  I guess I am retired now except for my part time job at Publix where I have been a cashier at the same store for 15 years.  

I take my association with GCPP very seriously with my committment to visiting at Pinebrook Care and Rehab Center in Venice, FL, website duties, statician duties and membership coordination..

Tanner came into my life within a week after my Shih Tzu passed away in March, 2004. I had been scanning the animal shelters in Sarasota County then while visiting the Animal Welfare League in Port Charlotte, this 71-lb, 7 month old pup did everything he could to get my attention as I was passing by his kennel. It worked! I came back to talk to him and he melted down to the floor as I pet him thru the fence. I found out he was an owner turn-in, was raised with a 2-yr old, and was house broke. The already housebroke sealed the deal.

Tanner (formerly Bear, #759) has kept our family laughing at his antics ever since. He melted the hearts of my parents immediately upon meeting them, previously they had only tolerated my dogs, and he quickly became the love of our lives. He was my wild child. He didn't know anything, didn't play with toys, would jump on you to greet, would knock you down from behind, and would steal anything from the kitchen counter that appeared to be edible. He did and still does absolutely love children and he really was house broke. His training began.

Tanner was so about pleasing me he completed his training to be my service dog in 2008. He assists me with mobility, balance, and hearing. Five years after adopting this wonderful pooch, in September, 2009, he passed his AKC Canine Good Citizen test then went on to the Delta evaluation two weeks later passing with a complex rating. We were now a Delta registered therapy team, Pet Partners. We joined GCPP the same day.

Each Saturday his nails are filed down and each Sunday evening he has his bath as a prelude to what is going to happen in the morning. Tanner loves visiting and gets totally excited each Monday morning when we are on our way to Pinebrook Care & Rehabilitation in Venice where we visit the assisted living residents, Alzheimer's residents, and do AAT with short term clients there for rehab. He knows the route to get to Pinebrook and becomes very excited when we exit the Interstate. The next two miles are difficult for him to contain himself since he knows what's in store.

He is loved at Pinebrook by residents and staff as well. Everyone knows Tanner by name, even if they haven't met him in person. It's like Tanner wants to give back, not only to me but to everyone he meets by putting smiles on peoples faces, allowing them to forget their current state and bring back the memories of days of old. Visiting is his way of thanks for being rescued and having been given the opportunity to make someone else as happy as he is.