Awesome Therapy Dog Experience

[stafinois]

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.

[Dogs6]

Thats amazing

[bubbatd]

How very special !!!

[xpaeanx]

awwwwww!!!!

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

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

[xpaeanx]

ok, duh! it says TDI in your sig.

[smkie]

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.

[Zoom]

That's what therapy dogs are all about.

[stellasmama]

Made my eyes all watery just reading the post!!!! Yay Grant!!!!!!

[CaliTerp07]

Oh my gosh, that's amazing. What a wonderful story.

[Baxter'smybaby]

Originally Posted by stafinois

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.