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Each year at the Parents of Murdered Children annual conference, we provide certified therapy dogs to support conference attendees. These teams attend the conference as volunteers, at their own expense (travel, accommodations, and conference registration) and teams are scheduled to make sure we have plenty of teams for conference attendees as well as giving the teams adequate down time.
While at the conference, the teams attend the unveiling of the Murder Wall, the opening session, the Memorial Video, the Awards Ceremony, as well as meals. Teams are also present and visible in the common areas of the conference and in dog-specific workshop sessions. We strive to be available for conference attendees who might need a moment with a trained therapy dog for whatever reason.
Teams have been attending the conference since 2008 in California and have been present at every in-person conference since. Our teams are qualified to work at the Conference with therapy dog certifications/insurance from national therapy dog organizations, the ability to work longer hours in busy, emotional environments, the ability to travel and stay in hotels, and experience with a wide range of environments, situations, and people.
To offset costs, we hold an annual t-shirt fundraiser. The new design is made available in the fall prior to the conference and can be ordered until the conference takes place. We also are able to take direct donations.
For more information about joining our team or supporting us, please contact us by clicking here.
Meet our current teams:
Laurie with Bell and Emme — Laurie began attending conferences in 2009 with her first therapy dog, Daisy. She has also attended with Blitz, Dolly, and currently with Bell and Emme. They are certified with Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Follow their journey on Instagram — @llschloss
Monica with Hip Hop and Orio — Monica began attending conferences in 2023 with her dogs. They are certified with Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Follow their adventures on Instagram — @the.hero.dogs
Meagan and Julie with Auggie — Meagan first started attending conferences in 2013 and Julie first attended in 2017. Auggie’s first conference was in 2021. They are certified with Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Follow both Auggie and her baby puppy sister, Delilah on Instagram — @auggielou_thefluff
Tena with Strax and Alfie — Tena attended in 2022 with Strax and Alfie and in 2023 with Alfie. They are certified with Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Follow them on Instagram — @successjustclicks
Ruth with Jackie — Ruth began attending conferences in 2024. They are certified with Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
Erin with Indy
Glen and Kirk with Gibbs — Glen and Kirk first attended in 2016 and have attended several other conferences with several of their dogs. They are certified with Pet Partners.
Linda and Dave with Mandy — Linda and Dave were part of the original teams in 2008 with Marley and have attended a number of conferences with Marley, Sarina, and currently with Mandy.