NAMI to discuss people, pet bond

SANDPOINT — Animals helping those with mental health issues and with victims of violence will be the focus of NAMI Far North’s meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 16.

NAMI Farm North (National Alliance on Mental Illness) will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the old Bonner General Health classroom, 520 N. Third Ave. in Sandpoint.

Dr. Dawn Mehra, local veterinarian, will be discussing the pet/veterinarian relationship; and Peggy Frye will present the positive role of animals with both children and adults. Frye, the head of the Victim Witness Unit, and her dog “Ken,” a lab/golden cross, work with the Bonner County Prosecutor’s Office, where she and Ken help victims of crime to cope. Ken, who is one of two courthouse facility dogs in the state of Idaho, will be at the meeting as well.

After the presentation will be two support groups: one for those living with mental illness, and one for those who love them.

The public is invited to this free event.