Brighton foundation donates $15K to sponsor therapy dog at Ann Arbor pediatric center

The Louie R. Merlo Foundation, based in Brighton, donated $15,000 to The University of Michigan Pediatric Palliative Care Program on Wednesday, in part to sponsor a therapy dog, according to a news release. 

The foundation was established earlier this year by Nancy and Ray Merlo in memory of their son to "gift life luxuries to families with severely impaired children," according to a news release.

The rest of the money will be used for sponsoring equipment for palliative care patients, and training for staff who care for patients, said Tom Pyden, a Brighton Equestrian Club volunteer who helped organize the donation event. 

Contact Livingston Daily reporter Sean Bradley at 517-552-2860 or at spbradley@livingstondaily.com. Follow him on Twitter @SbradleyLD.