Although my mom is involved with agility training these days, when I was a little girl she was involved with obedience. On occasion she would visit different places like schools and nursing homes to give various demonstrations such as general dog training, obedience training, and proper dog care and safety.
In fact, once when I was in the fourth grade she came to my grade school to show my schoolmates one of these demonstrations. At the time I wasn’t even aware my mom had arranged to come to the school so you can imagine my surprise when suddenly our big, beautiful, kind, Dobermans came sauntering into the classroom with my mom in tow. The kids exploded in excitement and I felt my coolness status totally increase as they enthusiastically asked me questions. Given that I was a total geek (ok, I still am a total geek) I was nonetheless appreciative of any coolness my mom could rub off on me by showing how awesome our dogs were. I was so proud to stand in front of the class that day.
Another time my heart swelled with pride was when my mother took me with her to a nursing home to give a demonstration to the residents. Those sweet grandmas and grandpas were so excited to see the dogs perform. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this kind woman’s wrinkled and knotted-with-arthritis hands petting the top of the slick Dobie’s head and the dog standing there looking lovingly into her eyes. This was probably one of my earliest lessons of service and how time is the greatest gift given.
Naturally, when author Stacy Grover contacted me to take the photo for her book, 101 Creative Ideas For Animal Assisted Therapy, I was very excited and deeply honored. Stacy, along with her darling pups Cosita and Liberty, spend countless hours volunteering their time in various therapy sessions. These experiences lead Stacy to write this wonderful book so others can experience the joy that comes from animal assisted therapy.
(click on the blue words to jump to her book website)
Stacy is truly beautiful on the outside but more importantly, genuinely beautiful on the inside.
Oh my gosh, this image cracks me up! Can’t you just see Liberty telling Cosita, “um, well little one, I’m not quite sure what you’re doing here because this is my show.”
“Yes, see how lovely of a model I am?” LOL, I love it.
Tell me what you think! Isn’t that book the best ever and aren’t these pups SO cute?!
Until next time,
~Shay
Edited to add:
This comment came to me from a nice lady named Janice and it’s so great I thought I would post it here in addition to the comments area.
My daughter and I first learned about animal assisted therapy two years ago and were completely captivated by the idea. After doing research into credible organizations, we contacted Therapy Animals of Utah to learn how to become qualified as therapy animal handlers. Stacy trained us. We’ve accompanied her on visits, and I’m telling you that she is amazing. She is one of the kindest, most giving people I know. She and her dogs melt the hearts of those she visits. I can’t wait to get her book in my hands and learn how to become just like her! Animal therapy work can be done with just about any animal including horses, mice, rabbits, birds, cats, dogs, etc. Therapy Animals of Utah is always looking for more volunteers, so if you are interested in learning more, go to their website: http://therapyanimalsutah.org/
My daughter and I first learned about animal assisted therapy two years ago and were completely captivated by the idea. After doing research into credible organizations, we contacted Therapy Animals of Utah to learn how to become qualified as therapy animal handlers. Stacy trained us. We’ve accompanied her on visits, and I’m telling you that she is amazing. She is one of the kindest, most giving people I know. She and her dogs melt the hearts of those she visits.
I can’t wait to get her book in my hands and learn how to become just like her! Animal therapy work can be done with just about any animal including horses, mice, rabbits, birds, cats, dogs, etc. Therapy Animals of Utah is always looking for more volunteers, so if you are interested in learning more, go to their website: http://therapyanimalsutah.org/
utah pet photographer | ideas for animal assisted therapy | ogden pet photography | utah family photographer
by Shay
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