| |
| |
| Therapy Pets: Angels with Fur |
| by Linda Thigpen |
Once monthly, our special needs students have the opportunity to interact with the kindest and patient of all visitors. A volunteer group of handlers brings a trained dog therapy team of caring canines of all shapes and sizes.
As the coordinating school administrator, it has been my delight to watch our students, many of whom exhibit profound mental and physical disabilities, interact with these tolerant furry friends.
It is obvious that the dogs exhibit an intuitive acceptance of the children's limitations. The pet team includes pure breeds and well as shelter rescues. Students find connections to the pets. One precious dog who has just three legs (resulting from abuse as a puppy) relates well to our ambulatory challenged students. As handicapped individuals face frequent exclusion, the students identify with therapy dogs that were once abandoned.
|
|
 |
The dog that especially won my heart was a golden retriever named Molly. Molly was rescued from the side of a busy highway. She was abandoned, tired, and lonely. Her temperament, gentleness and patience made her a perfect friend for our students. Molly recently passed away, but her service to our students leaves a legacy. She provided inspiration to a student who had recovered from orthopedic surgery, but lacked the will to practice mobility. In other words, the child had given up. During a therapy visit, Molly instinctively chose the boy, who lay prone on a mat, and cuddled next to him. Immediately the student sat up and leaned against Molly for support to stand. Amazed by the sudden progress, the physical therapist was summoned to assist the student into a supportive walker. Once secured, the student was given Molly’s leash and happily paraded the pet around the classroom and out into the hallway. The student was beaming and not a dry eye among staff as the miracle unfolded – he was walking again! Each visit led to more progress in the boy's mobility as the friendship cemented.
Molly and the other precious Dog Therapy Team members have earned a special place in the hearts and lives of our students and staff.
For children who encounter numerous boundaries, our beloved therapy pets don't pass judgment and add unconditional companionship.
|
|
|
|
