Awesome Therapy Dog Experience

stafinois

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#1
For those of you that don't know, my dog, Grant, is a certified therapy dog that goes to work with me at the library to work with kids.

We had some developmentally disabled kids in for story time on Friday. One little girl was giving her sign for "dog." So, one of the teachers brought her over to see Grant. The teachers were excited, as this little girl apparently doesn't communicate much. For her to sign for something was excellent. The girl came over and spent time with Grant. She pet him, and he gave her some doggie kisses. She loved it!

Then it was time for them to go, and her teacher told her to tell Grant goodbye. The girl looked at Grant, waved and said, "Bye bye!" The teacher was all choked up. She said that this was HUGE, and that she doesn't talk. She said that they probably wouldn't hear another word from her for the next six months. I don't know if she was exaggerating or if her speaking was really that rare.

They asked about Grant making visits to their classroom, which I am sure that I can arrange.
 

xpaeanx

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#4
awwwwww!!!!

That's what I'm training to do with my dog right now!!!

Is grant TDI, or is he cert through another organization?
 

smkie

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#6
That is a very moving story. I am glad the little girl, you and your dog all shared the experience. Those moments are what is what all about.
 

Baxter'smybaby

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#10
For those of you that don't know, my dog, Grant, is a certified therapy dog that goes to work with me at the library to work with kids.

We had some developmentally disabled kids in for story time on Friday. One little girl was giving her sign for "dog." So, one of the teachers brought her over to see Grant. The teachers were excited, as this little girl apparently doesn't communicate much. For her to sign for something was excellent. The girl came over and spent time with Grant. She pet him, and he gave her some doggie kisses. She loved it!

Then it was time for them to go, and her teacher told her to tell Grant goodbye. The girl looked at Grant, waved and said, "Bye bye!" The teacher was all choked up. She said that this was HUGE, and that she doesn't talk. She said that they probably wouldn't hear another word from her for the next six months. I don't know if she was exaggerating or if her speaking was really that rare.

They asked about Grant making visits to their classroom, which I am sure that I can arrange.
kudos to you--what a wonderful experience. I just would like to say in this politically correct world--next time you talk about/write about this topic--the above should be children with developmental disabilities. It puts the child first, disability second--as it should be. Please dont' be offended by this --I hope it will make things better for you as you do such wonderful work in a community that really needs it. ;)
 

stafinois

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kudos to you--what a wonderful experience. I just would like to say in this politically correct world--next time you talk about/write about this topic--the above should be children with developmental disabilities. It puts the child first, disability second--as it should be. Please dont' be offended by this --I hope it will make things better for you as you do such wonderful work in a community that really needs it. ;)

I did not know that! Thanks.
 

Xandra

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Lol when I first saw your username I thought you had a Malinois x Amstaff and I went "haha you have a cross like that as a therapy dog???" lol.

Wow that's such a cool story. I always thought it would be a neat thing to do, it must be nice to have a dog with the right temperament. I bet it's a nice contrast ;)
 

stafinois

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Lol when I first saw your username I thought you had a Malinois x Amstaff and I went "haha you have a cross like that as a therapy dog???" lol.

Wow that's such a cool story. I always thought it would be a neat thing to do, it must be nice to have a dog with the right temperament. I bet it's a nice contrast ;)

LMAO! Yeah, my dogs are total opposites in personality and temperament. Grant is so calm and friendly. And Harry is a working bred Malinois.

:rofl1:
 

bubbatd

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#16
Thanks Baxter !!! Nash is a child who happens to have DS. I've learned a lot in 8 yrs ! As to TDI dogs , I didn't want to hi-jack this post , but my Bubba was bound and determined to focus on a girl who would only rock in a corner and moan . Took a long time but each visit he would crawl closer to her and they finally connected and she calmed down . Another plus was a new gal who never got out of her chair until Bubba walked in the door .... she said " dog " and ran to him . Bless these dogs and the kids they touch !!!
 

Lolas Dad

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#17
Sometimes when someone does something as amazing as speaking for the first time in a long time a therapy dog is usually the one that will bring it out of the person. So I think the teacher was not exaggerating.

It's amazing what therapy dogs can do for people and this is proven everyday. I'm glad your dog is doing the same work as Lola.
 

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