Therapy dog, handler terminated over mock beer can prop

Therapy dog, Bella, and her handler Henry Wojnarowski in Niagara have been fired over policy violations including a beer-can prop she sometimes around her neck. The owner says it’s a nod to St. Bernard’s history.

7-year-old Bella has been a therapy dog with Therapy Tails Ontario since she was a puppy. Wojnarowski made a beer-can prop for her to wear during her weekly visits to schools, hospitals, and retirement homes to pay homage to her breed’s history.

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“She’s worn the mock-up beer on and off since she was a puppy. At Therapy Tails events, fundraisers. I use discretion. She doesn’t wear it if I’m at a kids’ reading program or a library for example.”

Earlier this month, Wojnarowski was sent a letter terminating his and Bella’s volunteer role at the organization because of the beer-can prop. He said there had been no complaints or issues before.

Stewart Hill with Therapy Tails Ontario says there were three key instances where Wojnarowski violated the organizations’ policies which they addressed each time. This included taking and sharing pictures of Bella during visits where it wasn’t permitted.

Hill says Bella has been an exemplary dog but the mock-beer can used was a repeat offence that contributed to Wojnarowski’s termination.

“They have a zero-tolerance that depicts alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. So to go in there with a beer can around the dog’s neck, you’re just advertising. You’re promoting alcohol on school property. It is not allowed, period. All three in the space of six months? Too much,” Hill said.

Although they won’t be with Therapy Tails anymore, Wojnarowski says he and Bella will continue to visit places independently.

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