In what is a first for the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, a dog has won the Champion's Club award for raising more than $500 for the Walk to End Alzheimer's.

The dog, Rumer the Therapy Dog from Addus Healthcare, is also the honorary captain of the Addus Walk team, which hopes to raise over $1,000 for the fight against Alzheimer's.

Chris Alcorn, of Addus' local office in Joliet, has been a longstanding supporter of the Alzheimer's Association, and is a proud dog owner who has coupled her love of dogs with her passion for patient care.  Countless studies have proven the value of therapy dogs helping the sick and elderly, and especially those suffering from dementia.

Rumer is a certified therapy dog, meaning she can be trusted to be gentle and nurturing around people, even in a chaotic environment that might scare other dogs.

If you'd like to meet Rumer and help in the fight against Alzheimer's disease, you can participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer's this Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Rock Run Forest Preserve on Black Rd in Joliet. Call 815-744-0804 for information and to register.