Neighbor Next Door: Kathy Williams

Kathy Williams and Hatchi
Kathy Williams and Hatchi

By Brenda Vanderbur

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Beginning with this issue we’re adding a regular column that salutes people in our community who go “over and above” to volunteer their time and talents to help others.

Our August “Citizen of the Month” is Kathy Williams, a full-time Valley Realtor whose pal Hachi, a 5- year-old male Akita from Alaska, weighs in at 115 pounds. 

The pair have been working together as a team at Banner University Medical Center since November 2013, “sharing smiles and joy,” the slogan of Alliance of Therapy Dogs. 

When the two are in town they try to make hospital visits at least weekly, their favorite times being holidays.

Said Kathy:

“The biggest joy for me is seeing the reaction of smiles and tears from the patients. They are so grateful for a simple visit that it can’t help but put life in perspective for them—and me.”

Earlier, Kathy had another Akita who also was a “Companion Animal.”  So when she met Hachi three years ago, she quickly decided to become more active in a therapy program. 

After researching what was involved, she quickly realized that it was a lot more complicated than it had been 20-plus years ago, when she started.

This time, after she enrolled Hachi in group obedience classes, the hard work of daily practices began.  They practiced at home, at the park and in as many public places as they could, including The Home Depot and even a local hotel that allowed them to use the elevator. 

Within six months they were ready for the test, which Kathy emphasizes has lots of components, including how the dog and handler work together as well as its temperament and ability to be controlled around groups of people and other dogs.

Asked what had been the most challenging part of the initial regimen, Kathy was quick to answer: “Leash training.”

When Kathy met Hachi, he was living with a family that had another dog and three small children. Due to financial difficulties the family had to put the dogs, which were not leash trained, up for adoption.

As you may have heard, Akitas aren’t typically known for having a friendly personality.  Hachi, though, is not a “typical” Akita, and observing Hachi’s loving behavior with the kids and the other dog, Kathy felt his potential to be a therapy dog outweighed the obstacle of having a large, strong dog that was not (yet!) leash trained.

In Kathy’s spare time she and Hachi share a lot of time in Flagstaff, going out to eat and hiking in the cooler weather. 

You can also spot them in our own neighborhood in December, ringing the red-kettle bell for the Salvation Army. 

If you see them, be sure to stop by and say hello.

A West Chandler resident and mom for 20-plus years, Brenda Vanderbur is a volunteer for Children’s Cancer Network and business administrator for Wrangler News.

Send your suggestions for our “Citizen of the Month” feature to brenda.vanderbur@wranglernews.com or call her at 480-966-0845. 

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