Children, patients will miss therapy dog

J.J.

Camarillo resident Jill Bernick announced earlier this week that her dog, Jasmine Star Jewel, a longtime pet therapy dog, died May 14. Jasmine Star Jewel, better known as J.J., was 12.

"She will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends in Camarillo and the area," Bernick said.

According to Bernick, J.J. began working as a pet therapy dog nearly nine years ago at the Casa Pacifica shelter for abused children.

J.J. also was part of the pet therapy programs at the St. John's hospitals in Camarillo and Oxnard, as well as a number of assisted living homes and for the Camarillo Health Care District.

In 2003, the healthcare district awarded J.J. an Apple of Excellence award.