Paw prints and hand prints side by side
It's what we do when I visit my special kids at the shelter. They call it pet therapy. I yip yap about it as a special canine - kid connection. They sometimes "ruff"er to them as abused, neglected or at-risk. I call them my special kids.
My Connie and I volunteer as a Gabriel's Angel canine therapy team. My job is to assist during activities my Connie plans. While having fun and playing with me, the kids improve abilities like the ability to trust and they learn new skills like caring for others (me!).
Today's visit was worth an extra tail wag or two (or three). One little boy (maybe 2.5 years old) started brushing me. He did not pet or brush me on our other visits, but watched as other kids stayed by my side. I was so happy to meet my new little friend, my tail wagged more. My Connie told him I was happy to see him and was saying "Hi" with my tail. With a soft little voice, this special kid said "Hi" back to me. We learned no one in the preschool had ever heard him speak.
Paw prints and hand prints side by side. They call it pet therapy. I call it the power of the kid - canine connection. I'd giggle if I could, instead I show my golden smile.
Petey the Golden
Categories: Doing Good
Tags: Gabriels Angels Special kids shelter pet therapy volunteer canine therapy paw prints hand prints
Hi, I agree with every statement that you have made in the post and I really appreciate your effort in gathering up the information. Thanks for it.
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