Few creatures on the planet can provide the unconditional positive regard that a dog can.

No judgments, no advice, no patronization, no asking of anything. Just giving love over and over and over no matter what.

Dogs are unconditional love in a fur coat.

 Quote: connie sutherland

I can see that it could mean the difference between despair and hope.

There is a young boy (15) who comes to the therapeutic riding center. He is confined to a wheel chair but mentally is sharp as a tack and extremely intelligent. His sense of humor is amazing, especially considering the "lack" of support and love shown him by his parents. His home life simply sucks, and it breaks all of our hearts at the barn. This young guy lives for his one hour a week when he comes to the barn. He has to be lifted by a mechanical system out of his wheel chair onto the largest horse at the barn, Jake. For one hour he gets to talk and laugh with adults and other teenagers who accept him as he is and see the WHOLE person on the inside. He is so bright and articulate and keeps us laughing with his non-stop movie and book reviews. We all love working with this student. At least for one hour he is free of the stress and confines of a metal chair, on top of his "trusty steed" (his words ) and surrounded by a bit of joy. One hour a week he is happy.


Drift and Jake and soooo many other therapeutic animals work magic we can't begin to comprehend.

 Quote:

Drift and Jake and soooo many other therapeutic animals work magic we can't begin to comprehend.

Another touching story Barbara, thank you.
It is really something to hear stories like these. I never tire of hearing about the wonders of animals and their connections with humans, but especially these kids who have special needs.

I am so grateful of these programs and the special people who unite the animals and the kids together!
It's all just so beautiful.
Keep doing your wonderful work Kelly, Barbara, Drift and the horses like Jake, the "trusty steed"

 Quote: barbara schuler

There is a young boy (15) who comes to the therapeutic riding center. He is confined to a wheel chair but mentally is sharp as a tack and extremely intelligent. His sense of humor is amazing, especially considering the "lack" of support and love shown him by his parents. His home life simply sucks, and it breaks all of our hearts at the barn. This young guy lives for his one hour a week when he comes to the barn. For one hour he gets to talk and laugh with adults and other teenagers who accept him as he is and see the WHOLE person on the inside. He is so bright and articulate and keeps us laughing with his non-stop movie and book reviews. We all love working with this student. At least for one hour he is free of the stress and confines of a metal chair, on top of his "trusty steed" (his words ) and surrounded by a bit of joy. One hour a week he is happy.

Don't underestimate the role that you and your team play in his happiness, Barbara. You provide what he does not get at home - acceptance and validation from adults. To these kids, that is just as priceless as the time with the animals.

It is sad to me that these kids have to look outside their own home for love and positive attention. But, at least there are programs like Barbara's with positive and supportive staff, and animals like Jake and Drift that are there to provide it.

I know you are right Kelly, I'm sure we all do play a role. However, what surprised me the most after volunteering at Dream Catchers is how the children help heal ME, and continue to do so. I had not expected that and it never ceases to amaze me. It is simply impossible to have a bad day or focus on my own loss when around these kids. It becomes all about THEM and making their day a bit brighter, and in the process, our own issues get put back into perspective and eased a bit, by making someone else's day easier to bear. Its good how that works, isn't it?

What touching stories Kelly and Barbara. I was barely recovering from the tears of Kelly’s and then Barbara’s started the waterworks again.

We haven’t been back to our supervised adult-living home since Edward passed. Both he and Garrett were approved for interactions at this home. We were contacted many times by the shift nurses to inquire if the boys were coming on a certain day. They would tell us how excited the residents became just knowing they were coming and would discuss who would get to walk with them first. They heeled beautifully beside walkers and wheelchairs. As well, their simple presence, lying on the floor in the dayroom, lightened the atmosphere. They brought a sense of peace and normalcy to the chatter, puzzles and board games folks were involved in.

There was always something special and touching in each visit. One day, I will hopefully have the strength to go back. The nurses are aware that Edward has passed and I’m sure they must have told the residents, however, from the pain that’s resurfacing just writing this; I know I’m not emotionally strong enough to put myself in that situation yet – both for the residents and myself.

Keep up the great work Kelly and Barbara. I know the effects my boys had on adults was profound and hard to capture in words. I can just imagine the joy you must be bringing to the children you work with.

God Bless.

What an awesome thread!!!! you guys ALL rock!!!!

 Quote: cj barrett

There was always something special and touching in each visit. One day, I will hopefully have the strength to go back. The nurses are aware that Edward has passed and I’m sure they must have told the residents, however, from the pain that’s resurfacing just writing this; I know I’m not emotionally strong enough to put myself in that situation yet – both for the residents and myself.

CJ, the first time back is going to be hard whether is tomorrow or in five years, and once you get it behind you, you will be able to continue the good work you and Edward were doing. I do trust "your gut", but want to gently encourage you to give it a try in the near future. I believe your own healing will excellerate once you do. Take care.

CJ, I didn't know that your Edward did visits. What an amazing dog he was, and his loss is profound for all who knew him (even his internet friends). You have always been able to provide great insight to members of this board, and I know that you will feel when you are ready to go back.

It will be hard... I can't even imagine. But you will feel Edward with you, I think. You will be able to continue what you began with him, and he will be proud.

These frickin' tears need to stop.... I can't type.

Hugs to you and your pack, CJ. Remember - smile

--Kel