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Featured Animal Assisted Therapy Story
Please Note: The dog in the accompanying photograph is the subject of the story, but the person pictured is probably not the patient in the story.Daisy is a rescued Dalmatian that someone -- some time ago -- had given up on. It's possible that the previous owner was heartbroken to give up such a sweet, gentle, loving creature, but it also could have been that he did not want to bother with an overbred, health-troubled pet that was born deaf, had developed an untreated cataract that rendered her half-blind, had occasional and violent grand mal seizures, and had a serious pancreas problem. How could a dog this afflicted with challenges ever be anything but a money pit?
The truth is that Daisy rewards all those who encounter her with something that no amount of money can buy: unconditional affection, curiosity, and love. She offers this to those who might be having a painful or exhausting day (or even just a boring one). After training her to do some basic obedience with an improvised sign language, it quickly became clear that she was born to be a therapy dog. She is calm and patient for a Dalmatian, something that makes her safe for parents and irresistibly huggable for children and elderly alike.
One of her most memorable visits was with a little girl confined to a wheelchair. Like many therapy dogs, Daisy has learned through practice to approach children and sit by their sides, awaiting kisses, carrots, or a photo opportunity. The little girl was careful not to run over Daisy's tail, and after telling her "good girl" using sign language (clapping her hands), was very interested to learn all about Daisy's disabilities. She's deaf? She's half-blind? She has seizures? Yes to all.
"But Daisy has a job?" She certainly does. And she became happier after she got one. This became an extra-long visit, something Daisy was more than happy to oblige. After a couple of hand-fed carrot pieces and some kisses, it was time to move on. But Daisy didn't seem inclined to leave until the little girl had a little better idea that anything was possible that you put your mind to.
"Oh, Daisy is so lucky to have you for owners!" the girl's parents said as they hugged Daisy goodbye. But we know the truth: we found the best dog in the world. It's Daisy's owners who are the lucky ones.
An amazing thing about dogs is that they don't really know how to complain. They also don't know what it means to give up. Despite her many health issues, Daisy goes about her life happily, and shares her joy with others, no matter whom she encounters. She has taught so many people what perseverance means and how to make the most of your life, that it's hard to keep track. Daisy proves every day that anyone can give and everyone deserves a chance.
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