Therapy dog gets 6-yr old to talk

[skunkstripe]

It is amazing what these dog can accomplish. I've seen what Therapy Dogs can do for the elderly, but it must be very rewarding to work with Therapy Dogs that do their work with children.
Marc Oliviere had been considered a selective mute - a 6-year-old capable of talking who, for some reason that was unclear, would not speak out loud.

Then a dog named Boo came to Austin Road Elementary School.

His mother gets chills when she recalls the afternoon last month when Marc jumped off the school bus, "rambling on and on." He was clutching a picture of Boo, the 48-pound black Labrador mix that is only a year older than he is.


full story here: http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080131/NEWS01/801310368/-1/RSS01
and more here: http://gothamist.com/2008/02/01/therapy_animals.php

[Borzoi mad]

Alovely true story . aren't dogs just wonderful.
I have experienced this first hand when I worked at our Local Hospital and it is so rewarding to watch children/adults respond to a dog when all else has failed.

Thanks for posting this story Jean.

[sheplovr]

It is amazing as Dogs are Therapy to begin with. When we took Gino to the eldery homes when his mom was in, a couple's eyes would light up. They would start to talk about Prince their old Sheperd, Gino brought good memories up of Prince they felt was at the farm yet, long gone though

Dogs are especially great for sick children, we have the Children's Hospital in Pittsbugh, Pa. Many kids are in there for a long time. A dog can make a huge difference in how fast they mend to better health.

I know often bad days I have I look down at the dogs and know they sit and are there for me not knowing how I feel for certain. Following me room to room, just being there. Dogs are great Therapy even not being trained, they seem to sense illness. Hip Hip HoooRaayyy for Dogs!!!:)

[Hazen 'n Mike]

Awesome.