California

Temecula Valley

Love on a Leash®

The Temecula Valley chapter was founded in May, 2009. The chapter coordinates multiple group visits each month at Senior Living and Memory Care Facilities, Mental Health and Rehabilitation Facilities, Hospitals, Hospice, Schools, Libraries, and R.E.A.D. programs in Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar and the surrounding areas. Many members also visit additional sites independently; our chapter has teams doing therapy visits nearly every day! We also host periodic member socials and participate in community events; we especially love participating in Mental Health Awareness, Annual Suicide Prevention Walk, and visiting with the California Conservation Corps. Every December, as a gift to promote reading for young children, we give a free book to each child who reads to a furry friend to encourage reading over the holidays.

Meet Our Leaders

Judy Colburn has been a member since December of 2016 and a visit captain since 2018; Judy stepped in as co-chapter leader in 2021 and will take over as Chapter Leader in 2022 when Margaret retires. Judy and her husband Jim live in Murrieta; Judy is currently certified with her two golden retrievers Lucy and Ozzy. When not volunteering Judy loves spending time with her family, swimming in their pool and traveling.
Gary Farmer accepted the co-leader role in September 2022. He lives in Murrieta with his wife, Lynn and is currently certified with his first therapy dog Zack, a first generation labradoodle. Gary is a retired teacher, counselor and principal who joined Love on a Leash in 2017; when he is not volunteering with Love on a Leash he enjoys traveling our great country in his RV. He and Zack especially love working with children in the READ program.