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. In addition, many members visit additional sites independently; our chapter usually has teams doing therapy visits every day! We also host periodic member socials such as Picnic in the Park, and participate in community events; we especially love participating in Mental Health Awareness, Annual Suicide Pervention 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

Margaret Graefen has been the Temecula Valley chapter leader since January of 2016. She lives in Wildomar with her husband, David, and their three dogs. She is blessed with 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Margaret certified her first dog, Winston in 2015, and currently has three certified pets with Love on a Leash: Winston, Emmy, and Bear, all English Bulldogs. She loves volunteering with her dogs and is always looking for opportunities for the chapter and encouraging those wishing to certify as a team. When not volunteering she is off with her husband to visit family in Georgia, where they plan to retire.

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.