The community is to have a chance to celebrate the impact a therapy dog had on their lives.
A "Celebrate Magic" event is to be 7 p.m. Wednesday in Tiffin Middle School's gymnasium.
Magic was Tiffin City Schools' therapy dog. The 8-year-old golden retriever had spent six years working with students and died of a suspected enlarged heart last month at the home of counselor Suzanne Reinhart, his handler.
Article Photos
Magic
"There will be (tears). That's OK. ... I want it as positive as possible," Reinhart said.
Reinhart said she wants to tell children the best thing people can do to honor Magic is to share unconditional acceptance, friendship and love with everyone they meet.
"Unconditional means you're friends no matter what," she said.
Magic came from Assistance Dogs of America Inc. and started working at Tiffin City Schools when he was 2 years old. He did individual counseling and therapy, worked with social skills groups and spent time with regular education students and students with special needs.
"He's a sweetheart," Reinhart said.
Tiffin Middle School, the location of Wednesday's event, also hosted fun nights in honor of Magic, and more than 600 people attended.
Doors are to open at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to information from Reinhart. From 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., people can write memories of Magic on paper bones and watch a slideshow of pictures. The event also is to include speakers, and treats are to be available after it.
"If we don't have food, it feels like a funeral," Reinhart said. "I don't want it to feel like a funeral."
Donations are to be accepted for Assistance Dogs of America's school therapy dog program and for Tiffin's future dog park.
