We are very proud of our younger registered Therapy Dog Handlers. |
Rebecca
Rebecca, Kayla, Kirsten & Jodi
Kayla, top right
| Teenagers make great Therapy Dog Handlers |
| Jodi is holding "Levi" while "Yellar" looks on... |
Teenagers are in some cases tagged with a bad label due to a few who cause trouble or bring undue attention to them self. This is not the case for the majority of teenagers who are looking for new horizons, new adventures, new goals, just like what most adults looked for when they were younger. Todays teenager is smarter in some ways and more in tune with what is going on around them due to the computer age and other forms of information they have received. One of these programs is having a teenager becoming involved in Therapy Dog work. Teenagers learn first hand through visits with strangers with their registered therapy dog how they can make a person who is isolated from the community by being confined in a nursing home, assisted living facility, rehabilitation center, hospital how their presence with their dog can help make that person smile. To see how the resident perks up and reaches for the dog or just to see someone who cares about them. Some handlers visit people who may be living in a group home for mentally or physically challenged citizens. To see how you made a stranger smile or to see how the dog interacts with strangers and or to listen to a strangers story about his or her dog, is rewarding for all. Most residents of the these facilities really do enjoy seeing young adults visiting with their dog. For a lot of long term residents or for residents without family routine therapy dog visits is very uplifting to them. Some residents relate to the teenager as someone who reminds them of the family they haven't seen in so long or who they will never see again. We hear so often the one question when we say goodbye... "When will you be back? or "Wake me if I am sleeping, I want to see you again." Looking back at them we see big smiles. It is so worth visiting. Our young adults will often hear stories of the residents past. Some stories are fascinating while others are sad. But when the teenager & dog interact with the resident the mood changes quickly and when you leave the resident you know the visit was worth every minute of your time. Teenage volunteers do make a difference and we look forward to many more joining our group. |
| Kayla & Freckles What a couple they make... Ha |
Kirsten & Roxy
Ms. Kirsten is off to college.
We wish her the best!
Ms. Kirsten is off to college.
We wish her the best!
| Kayla gets Loves from Freckles |
| Freckles, looking good... |
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