Now that we are a Pet Partner Team we have so many more opportunities to share our love of life and bring joy to those who are ill or disabled or just need a hug.
Now that LottieDot and I have been doing Animal- Assisted Interactions for a little over one year, I thought I should write an update.
Visiting hospitals, nursing homes, children’s grief camps, elementary and high school’s Special Ed classes, libraries, a deaf school, every one of these facilities has a different purpose and goal. It might be to assist in physical therapy, or help children gain self confidence that was lost due to severe abuse. It could be a visit to motivate someone who is grieving and needs a moment of diversion or help a severely disabled child integrate into the school classroom with confidence. No matter what the reason for being there, LottieDot gives everything she has.
LottieDot visits everyone without prejudice. She sees everybody as her friend. A child accidentally stepping on her tail or an elderly person groping and squeezing her neck, Lottie takes it all in stride and knows that is the best that person can do. She has a special sense of knowing when to be quiet and lie still next to someone who is unable to communicate. A few minutes later she will make someone laugh and allow them to forget their troubles by doing something funny. She senses what each individual needs from her and gives it 100%. .
I’ve learned that being a reliable handler is just as important as my AAI dog if not more so. I must have control of her every second. My actions reflect on my dog. It is up to me not my dog to leave each facility in good standing and to fulfill our purpose in being there. After all, with each visit we proudly represent the entire Mid South Therapy Dog organization.
Thank You Delta Society and Mid South Therapy Dogs!
