Harley's Hi-Lites- Animal Assisted Therapy at Northwood

When Terri first approached me about working with 4 students with emotional disabilities, I was not really sure if this would be a good fit for myself and Harley Davidson. Terri said, just give it a try and it doesn’t work than you can drop out. Today was the last visit for myself and Harley as we have been alternating with Derald and Sunshine. The students were able to have their time on “stage” as the rest of us watched them. One little girl was truly having a struggle and when she called Harley over and he responded you could absolutely see her face change and she felt confident and she told us she felt safe with Harley. From our first visit to today, the change in the behavior of these children has been a real eye-opener for me personally to see what animal assisted therapy can accomplish. They each took their turn in saying goodbye to Harley and to see them hug and kiss him and then tell him that he will be in their hearts was just so emotional for me. All 4 children led him out of the room together and then said their final farewells. A big thank you to Terri for taking us out of our comfort zone and having the foresight and trust that Harley and I would find another avenue for us to pursue on the road of animal assisted therapy.

Barked by: Lexi -- In Loving Memory (Dogster Member)

February 25th 2012 at 7:57 pm

Barked by: Lacey (Dogster Member)

February 25th 2012 at 7:58 pm

Barked by: Pepper - CGC (Dogster Member)

February 25th 2012 at 9:09 pm

Barked by: Ebony Ursula (Dogster Member)

February 25th 2012 at 9:56 pm

Barked by: Jazzi Danz'r, CGC,Therapy D (Dogster Member)

February 26th 2012 at 5:43 am

Barked by: Fizzy (Dogster Member)

February 26th 2012 at 8:11 am

Barked by: Zoe (Dogster Member)

February 26th 2012 at 8:57 am

Barked by: Zaidie (Dogster Member)

February 26th 2012 at 10:06 am

Barked by: Flicka ~ CGC (Dogster Member)

February 26th 2012 at 12:09 pm