Be an Angel Therapy Dogs Ministry, Inc. is an all volunteer, non-profit organization, with 501c3 status, who participates in animal-assisted activities “Turning Frowns Upside Down” for many people, from children with special needs, to elderly persons with limited mobility. June and Ross Feezel who have been doing this type of work since the mid 90’s with the Northland, a Church Distributed, in Longwood are the founders of this organization. They began by volunteer with Northland’s pet therapy program called “PetPals” which was started by Gail and Tom Smith, who now are members of the Be an Angel organization.

The Be an Angel Therapy Dogs Ministry was established in 2004 not only to provide organization whose members are tested, insured and registered through Therapy Dogs Inc., a national organization, but also provides independence and an opportunity for volunteers from the Central Florida area to participate.

Initially there were approximately 25 working teams in the Orlando group. Friends in Lakeland, Florida (Polk County), Catherine & Tom Whitten, who also had started a group of therapy dogs contacted June and Ross. They were interested in merging the two groups and when that occurred it increased the total group to about 40 working teams. Soon after that, the group decided we should have a vest for the dogs to wear when working and of course, that lead to shirts and photo ID badges for each handler. Needless to say, we are a magnet for questions and inquiries with ‘Royal Blue Gear’ shirts and vests!

Be an Angel Therapy Dogs Ministry extends from Volusia,  Seminole, Orange, Lake and Osceola  Counties in Central Florida, plus other teams wearing the blue gear in North Carolina, Georgia, Tampa and Jacksonville;  all making  a habit  of  “Turning Frowns Upside Down”!

God has generously blessed our group from the beginning, providing great teams to cover all the venues, and provide the camaraderie necessary to keep the group working. He has allowed us to begin the development of a group of dedicated people who have a desire to bring God’s love, sunshine and happiness to those who love seeing the “Angel” dogs.

We have a large diversified group of people. It is overwhelming at times, but it is worth the energy and effort to develop. We have great people, great dogs, great facilities and always a great time.

June and Ross Feezel, Co-Founders