Manny’s Mission: Storytime and Search and Rescue Demo
Saturday, June 28
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Join us at the Everhart Museum for a very special storytime with author and certified K-9 handler Kendra Lapsansky and her real-life search and rescue dog, Manny! Kendra will read aloud from her children’s book Manny’s Mission, based on a true rescue mission she and Manny undertook on the Appalachian Trail.
During this interactive program, children will:
● Meet Manny and see him demonstrate real search and rescue skills
● Learn what it takes to train and certify a working rescue dog
● Explore the tools Kendra uses in the field, including her radio, pack, and gear
● Discover cool facts about how dogs “see with their noses”
● Ask questions and interact with a real Search and Rescue team
This event is free with regular Museum admission, but pre-registration is required, and the capacity is limited to 40. Due to the interactive format and a working dog, children must be accompanied by caregivers. This session is recommended for children 4 to 10.
About Kendra Lapsansky
Kendra, a Certified Veterinary Technician, brings years of animal care experience and a passion for educating the public about the vital role of Search and Rescue dogs. She hopes to inspire young minds and deepen their appreciation for these incredible canine companions.
In 2025, Kendra published Manny Has a Mission: A Search and Rescue Adventure. A portion of the proceeds are donated to Rescue International, a nonprofit organization composed of dedicated volunteer individuals, response teams, and companies that provide specialized search, rescue, communications, and recovery services—completely free of charge to requesting agencies.
