Pixie The Therapy Dog And Her Human Win Award

FREMONT, CA — Assemblymember Kansen Chu has recognized Senior Services Case Manager Julie Sakai and Human Services therapy dog Pixie with the Community Hero Award. Julie and Pixie have touched many lives in the Fremont community through their work providing stress reduction and emotional support to staff, clients, and residents.

Pixie was rescued at six months old after her former senior owner was unable to care for her. She was later certified as both an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen and a TherapyPets therapy dog. Beyond their work with the City, Pixie and Julie also volunteer at the local library in the “Read to a Dog” program as well as their own children’s club called “Pixie’s Pals,” where children are encouraged to read books, write letters, draw pictures, learn different languages, exercise their creativity, and be kind to others.

Julie’s helpful attitude, devotion to clients, and great sense of humor make her a standout City of Fremont staff member and community volunteer. In fact, the client that nominated Julie and Pixie for the Community Hero Award, an 88-year-old senior who lives alone and often feels frustrated by her physical limitations, remarked that Pixie and Julie’s visits always bring a smile to her face.

Pixie and Julie attended the Community Heroes Award Ceremony on July 12 at the India Community Center in Milpitas.

— Announcement/photo from City of Fremont