Counselors With Fur continued from previous page. “How does it feel, Dawson?,” asked
Coleen. “Wet.” said Dawson. He noted that
his fingers were changing color while handling the blueberry. Then everyone turned their atten-
tion to Odee, who had spit his blueberry out, and was noodling it around on the floor. The dog didn’t seem too sure of the blueberry. Dawson could relate. “See, I told you he was a picky
eater,” said Jodi. The Great Pyrenees have a natural-
born instinct to guard and protect. They have a deep devotion to their family and home. During one of their regular visits to
the Collier Dog Park in Land O’Lakes to socialize Odee, Jodi began talking with another dog park regular, Dr. Greg Spirakis. The more he observed Odee, the more he was convinced that the dog would be a good candidate for therapy dog training. Dr. Spirakis, who also hap- pens to work at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, encouraged Jodi to pursue training for Odee as a therapy dog. After going through the training,
passing the CGC testing and subsequent evaluation, the team is now a regular at St. Joe’s. “Personally, it is very rewarding and it gave Odee a job he looks forward to performing. We both enjoy it very much.” At both All Children’s Hospital in St.
Petersburg and St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Tampa, the therapy dogs are given a stack of trading cards with their photos and stats. Summer’s trading card includes that her favorite toys are squeaky ones; she enjoys walking, bird-watching and meeting people, especially children. She also enjoys Agility and loves making new friends. Odee’s trading card says his hobbies
include jeep rides, visiting the dog park, going to the beach and pulling carts. His favorite treats are French fries, beef jerky and prime rib
bones.The children in both hospitals trade and collect the cards of all the therapy dogs. One of the rules for therapy dogs at
St. Joe’s is that the dogs must be bathed within 48 hours prior to their visits to the hospital. Odee’s white coat was spectacu- larly clean. “He is so soft,” said Dawson. Discovering what was triggering
58 THE NEW BARKER
Above and left: Therapist Coleen Ritari works with Dawson during a feeding therapy session, as Odee, sits at-the-ready, for his duties to assist.
Dawson’s anxiety was an arduous process. Sitting here watching the family and speaking with Tammy, there is a sense that everyone will get through this. “He’s such a good kid. All he wants
to do is please everyone. His teachers at school have been wonderful and so sup- portive,” said Tammy. Odee watched Dawson with con-
cern, and was ready to do whatever was necessary to assist. As big as Odee is, his interactions with all of the children he met that day were so gentle. “I raised Odee to be respectful. That
is the most important quality to me, in a human or a dog,” said Jodi. “He’s a real powerhouse. He’ll keep going on our vis- its. But, we’re limited to two hours. He puts in a full day when we’re working.” The one common trait between the
dogs, Summer and Odee, is the love and respect their humans show them. Clearly, there is a bond between the dogs and their handlers. The common trait that Karen and Jodi share is their profound desire to make someone other than themselves feel better. Wherever they are in their personal lives, whatever is going on, we don’t know. Their focus is entirely on someone else who could use a little cheering up. To watch them share their time and the love of their dogs is inspira- tional and heartening.
U
When Elizabeth saw Odee from across the hallway, she moved her eyes up and down, meaning, “Yes, I want to see the dog.”
Five-year-old Jazlynn and Odee slowly inch closer to one another.
Editor’s personal note to Dawson: Hey, buddy, Go ‘Noles.
www.TheNewBarker.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96