Page 7 - Boca ViewPointe - June '20

June 2020 Viewpointe, Page 7

Therapy Dogs Eagerly Await Return

To Boca Raton Regional Hospital

By Arthur Dermer, Multiple studies have shown that interaction with gentle
Therapy Dog Volunteer and friendly pets can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety,
lift spirits and lessen depression.
It is with much sadness Tom DeCicco, the founder of Therapy Dogs of South
that I inform you of the Florida, the organization which operates the therapy
temporary stoppage of the dog program at the hospital, is continuing to work to
Therapy Dog program at keep the program in operation when it is safe to do so.
the Boca Raton Regional Over the past few years newly recruited dogs and local
Hospital. This stoppage was residents were brought into service. “Rudy”, a 3 year
a result of the pandemic old Australian labradoodle, is owned and trained by
affecting our community. Judy Larkin. Graham Wellington is the owner-handler of
Social distancing rules now “Honeybear”, a 9 year old golden
prohibit the operation of the retriever and “Captain Parker”
Therapy Dog Program. That a 3 year old golden retriever.
program had formerly operated with the help of local citizen- “Meghan” is a 27 pound Australian
handlers and the assistance of Debbi-Rand hospital volunteers. Labradoodle trained by Bobbie
For the past 15 years, volunteers and handlers, lovingly and with Edlund. “Enzo” is a Cockapoo
devotion, served the patients and families of the Hospital. The handled by Sherry Sharp. “Riley”
interaction with the dogs comforts the patients and puts a smile is a 97 pound Alaskan Malamute-
on their face. As an aside, the dogs are often the only visitor the German Shepard handled by
patient received during their stay in the hospital. Nathan Granger. “Riley” is our
Each week these therapy dogs provided many benefits and newest therapy dog and comes
much joy to patients, their families, and staff. The dogs visited from Michigan where he received
patients in the main building of the hospital as well as those at the multiple therapy dog degrees.
other hospital facilities. They include the Lynn Cancer Institute, These dogs join “Princess Lola” and
the Marcus Neuro-Institute, and the Women’s Wellness Institute. “Lexi”, owned by Carol DeCicco in
making multiple weekly rounds. (See photo) W
The trainer-handlers and all of the
volunteers at the hospital eagerly await
the day when they can return to servicing O
patients and staff at the Hospital. These
trainer-handlers are among the 600
volunteers at the Hospital. Many of these O
volunteers are Boca Pointe residents.
After the pandemic, if you are interested in F
volunteering at the hospital, please contact
the volunteer office at 955-4098. 

Update On 2020 Florida Legislation

We are pleased to provide you with an update regarding rentals. While it is anticipated that similar bills will be brought up person’s ability to apply for an emotional support animal as
condominium and homeowners association legislation that was during the next legislative session, we will continue to monitor follows:
considered by the Florida Legislature in the session that recently same. Almost all community associations require the ability to • The legislation provides for additional types of documentation
ended in March. regulate occupancy of homes and condominium units within a that may be used to verify a disability, including, but not limited
In general, bills regarding vacation rentals and removing them community. to, proof of disability services being provided by the payment of
from local control were defeated. The proposed legislation would HUD implemented new guidelines in 2020 and the Florida social security disability benefits to that person.
have restricted the ability of both condominium and homeowners Legislature approved a bill (this law will take effect on July • The legislation permits duly qualified teletherapy and other
associations to promulgate and enforce restrictions on vacation 1, 2020 if the bill is signed by the Governor) that impacted a providers with actual specific knowledge of the individual’s
disability to provide documentation and make recommendations.
• The legislation permits the association to provide a specific
type of form to be used for an emotional support animal request,
COSTA DEL SOL COMMUNITY but does not mandate the use of that form. If a different type of
form or letter is provided, then an association must still consider

• While an applicant may submit other items purchased online
that form or letter.
BOCA POINTE as part of the application, such as vests, by themselves they are
not sufficient to provide verification of a claimed disability.
raised the limit for condominium units from $100,000.00
The Florida Insurance Guarantee Association (FIGA)
HOUSE FOR ANNUAL RENTAL to $200,000.00. (However, this change does not take effect

until signed into law by the Governor.) In a disaster, where a
condominium suffers a total destruction due to a hurricane,
Most Desirable Lennox Model on Lake FIGA would provide the association with $200,000.00 times
the number of units in the condominium. The previous limit was
3 Bedrooms, 2-1/2 Bathrooms $100,000.00 which had remained the same for over fifty (50)
years.

Additionally, while a new law permits the use of certain
Open concept • All Stainless Appliances fireworks on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and the Fourth
of July, a homeowners association may restrict the use of
fireworks on such holidays and other dates, through the passage
Your own Heated Swimming Pool and Spa (newly reconstructed) inside 30’ high enclosure. of restrictions contained only in the declaration of covenants.
Associations are encouraged to review their rights and
All granite countertops in kitchen and bathrooms. Modem white cabinets in kitchen. responsibilities under these new laws and proposed laws with
their legal counsel.
All real wood flooring throughout house (except bathrooms). Bathrooms all Travertine Marble walls & floors.

Recently painted throughout inside of house. 2-car garage. Accordion Hurricane Shutters throughout. Sachs Sax Caplan, P.L., Peter S. Sachs 
Hurricane Proof front door with Impact Glass. Garage door Hurricane Proof.

Many other features included. HOA handles all landscaping and sprinklers, outside painting of house, roof cleaning. Advertise,
Country Club not mandatory, but many programs available for participation. Check out our Website!

Available furnished or unfurnished. Availability June or July 2020. www.seabreezepublications.com
CALL 561-289-3689 or call 746-3244