POWERGRAMS

15 The power of touch is amazing, especially when combined with an animal's unconditional love. It's that kind of healing therapy that Claire Edwards and her golden retriever, Scout, provide when they visit children's centers and residents in rehabilitation, nursing and assisted-living centers in Montgomery and Elmore counties. Edwards' efforts are sponsored by Easter Seals Dogs on Call. "I knew the director at Easter Seals through charitable donations made by the Southern Division and the Alabama Power Foundation," said Edwards, who was executive secretary in the Southern Division and now is Energizers coordinator for volunteer time. "The more I heard about this program, I knew it was something I wanted to do." Retiring in February 2015, Edwards knew she wanted to put her new windfall of time toward helping others. While she's nearly as busy as when she was working at the company, Edwards said her service to the community is strictly voluntary. She and Scout team up to work with groups such as Miracle League, which serves children with mental and physical challenges; numerous nursing and assisted-living facilities; and the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. Generally, at least three or four Dogs on Call teams visit venues together. "We focus on what's important – the people who need us," Edwards said. ENERGIZERS Retiree and therapy dog bring healing touch to children, seniors BY DONNA COPE Photography by Karim Shamsi-Basha Mike and Claire Edwards with Scout at Montgomery rehab facility.

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