The kids were paired with a Love My Dog staff member and given various jobs to do, like folding laundry and playing with the dogs in the waterpark. Especially amazing was how calm the kids and dogs were around one another. They were attuned to each other’s needs and very gentle. The dogs offered the kids uncon- ditional acceptance, companionship and emotional attachment. The kids gave the dogs lots of extra attention.
The problem is, there aren’t too
many public programs available to help the families and kids with Downs syndrome, especially for those who are transitioning from teenager to adulthood. That’s an ongoing concern for all of the families in the group, and one that Natalie is working towards finding a solution. After seeing the results of the sum-
mer camp program, she is contemplating creating a business for the kids to run to help them learn more about work skills. “It won’t be a business that turns a
Just hanging out with a dog will
increase levels of oxytocin, the feel-good hormone produced in the brain. A Japanese study also found that when a dog and a person stare into each other’s eyes, they both experience an increase in oxytocin. The jobs the kids were assigned gave
them a sense of fulfillment. “Sitting with the dogs or filling their water bowls, the
profit. That’s not the goal. My goal is to invest more into the lives of these kids to help them learn useful skills so that they can become contributing members of their community. These kids are impor- tant to me. Like with anything else, you put the time in and you get results,” Natalie added. “They deserve the same opportunities as anyone else. Some of the parents will be taking care of their child for the rest of their lives. To be able to give the parents an opportunity to sit down and reconnect with other adults is just as important to me as helping their kids.” “Natalie has been an amazing friend
to us and our children,” said Paul, Anthony’s dad. “Her love for them is unconditional.” Susan adds, “One person can make a
difference, simply by asking, ‘how can I help?’ Natalie has never given up on us, especially in the beginning. It’s a good reminder that, if you really want to help, just continue to offer it. Your offer may not be immediately accepted, but that doesn’t mean your help isn’t needed, or even wanted. Just be patient and kind, and please, never give up offering to help.”U
kids were instantly rewarded with a tail wag or a loving gaze they could interpret as a thank-you,” said Natalie. “This program is helping to teach
our kids working skills,”said Susan. “And Natalie is constantly advocating for them.” Children and adults with Down
syndrome have the same desires as any of us. Some will learn to drive, have relationships and may live almost entirely on their own. Others may need more day-to-day care while participating in meaningful social activities.
52 THE NEW BARKER Y
Love My Dog Resort & Playground North St. Petersburg - 727.545.0141 Downtown St. Pete - 727.826.0102
LoveMyDogResort.com
There are currently 23 Down syndrome organizations in Florida. Go to
GlobalDownSyndrome.org Click on About Down Syndrome. Under Resources click on Down Syndrome Organizations by State.
www.TheNewBarker.com
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