In the wee hours of Sept. 5, 2024, Summit and Delta counties lost a valued member of our communities.
Our 5-year-old Australian Shepherd, Jigs, passed away at his home from a rare form of intestinal cancer. Jigs was a certified therapy dog who happily spent many hours volunteering with his beloved teammate, Linda Hrycaj. Jigs and Linda did Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ) with the kiddos at Silverthorne Elementary, the Silverthorne Library and Delta’s Lincoln Elementary school. Jigs gave these children his undivided attention with unconditional love to help them feel safe while learning to read. The team volunteered at the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center’s Brain Injury Camps, Timberline Adult Day Program, and Delta’s Hopewest Hospice Program, joining in good conversations and pets. They also participated in Summit County Animal Shelter’s engaging Humane Education Program for our elementary school-aged kids.
Providing opportunities for folks who struggle emotionally, socially, physically, mentally, and/or medically to receive moments of brightness and unconditional love is what Jigs and Linda did best. Jigs had a winning smile and enthusiastic vocalizations when greeting his family and friends — his way of making each person he connected with feel special.
Not unlike Linda and Jigs, there are many canine-human therapy teams volunteering in our community and nationally, bringing the gift of smiles, laughter, support, respite, and time. Summit Therapy Animals welcomes folks and their beloved dogs and cats who may enjoy giving their time in service to our community. We treasure all our teams and will always hold a special place in our hearts for Jigs, and all the therapy animals who passed before him.
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