Moore County Schools launched "Luther and Friends Canine Visitors Bureau" in 2006.

Rebecca Vassallo and her canine buddy, Luther Diablo Vassallo, began visiting Moore County schools in September 2005, eventually founding Luther and Friends.

The inaugural class for Luther's friends was held on Aug. 10, 2006, at the Agricultural Center in Carthage. Nine teams were TDI and A.K.C. certified, and eight are currently volunteering in Moore County Primary and Elementary Schools. Since 2006, 56 C.A.R.E teams have successfully passed TDI certification.

A meeting for future recruits for Luther and Friends Canine Visitors Bureau will be held at the Agricultural Center in Carthage Friday, March 12, at 10 a.m. following graduation of the seventh class.

"For more information about Luther and Friends Canine Visitors Bureau and how to become a member with your very best friend, call Linda Hubbard at (910) 947-2342," says a spokesman.