It was such a great morning today! I have wanted to do therapy dog work with Kasey since I got him (he's almost 7 now, ugh), but the local hospitals will not allow him to because he's fed raw. The only way I could have done it was to go through an organization that is based in Los Angeles and that would take me hours on the freeway in traffic. So I had resigned myself to never being able to do it.

But a few weeks ago I got a call from young women I used to mentor, and who is now an MFT at a center for very young children (ages 3-5). These children come from homes that have violence, gang affiliations, drug abuse, etc. They have learned aggression, violence, being withdrawn, etc. from their situations, and have varying degrees of emotional problems because of it. She wanted to know if I would bring Kasey to their school for part of the morning as therapy for these kids. I was a little leery because I didn't want Kasey to be abused - even though they are so little and he is 85 lbs!

Long story short, it was amazing to watch. The ones who were so sad and withdrawn and didn't really socialize with the other kids, came to Kasey and just hugged him, and sat petting him. The ones who are prone to get aggressive with people and hit other children, were so loving to Kasey. They too just wanted to hug him and pet him and ask me questions like 'how does his tail go back and forth like that?'. They never once were aggressive towards him. Some of the 'tough' kids cried when Kasey left and told him that they loved him. It was so touching to see that happen! And Kasey just seemed to know what those kids needed - he was so patient with them as they hugged him and kissed him. Sometimes there would be 6 kids all sitting around him as he laid on the floor with them. I was so proud of what he gave them.

They are talking about the possibility of figuring out a way that we could do this more and give these kids an opportunity to have this kind of relationship in their lives. So we probably won't ever get to go into hospitals and visit sick people, but this seems just as important of a job, if not more!

How wonderful for you both! I agree....this is FAR MORE important. You have helping reshape these kids' lives. Maybe helping see that there is more kindness & love that is in the world for a change from what they have been raised thinking just the opposite.

Hopefully you can continue to do this 'therapy' work with them.

What a wonderful thing for you and Kasey to be doing! It's hard to think of something more important than making a positive difference in the lives of troubled children.

that's great Lori...feels good I bet to see the kids respond so well to your big guy.

Your post really touched my heart. You have done a very wonderful thing as has your big guy Kasey.

We heard back from the school today and they would like to talk about continuing to have Kasey and I come, so it looks like Kasey has a permanent job!

 Quote: Lori Hall

We heard back from the school today and they would like to talk about continuing to have Kasey and I come, so it looks like Kasey has a permanent job!

This is great news, Lori.

 Quote: Lori Hall

We heard back from the school today and they would like to talk about continuing to have Kasey and I come, so it looks like Kasey has a permanent job!

Great news!

If you would like additional jobs contact Hospice in your area and tell them you would like to volunteer with Kasey.

Great news!

What a wonderful job for him! It's thought that a child's personality is formed for life when they reach the age of 4-5 so not only is Kasey helping now, he is forming their lifelong ability to give and receive compassion and love. I went to college for early childhood end and social work so reading this made my heart very happy! Thank you for allowing Kasey to help these kids, Lori. It will likely be a very happy memory for them in a hard life to come.