Success Stories

--A fifth grade teacher referred a boy who was showing symptoms of anxiety that were interfering with his learning time. Petting Coach, lying next to him and trying to match his breathing, grooming him, and telling him his feelings in a whisper were strategies used to calm the boy down. Time spent with Coach enabled the boy to decrease his symptoms quickly and to have them return less frequently. His heart stopped racing, his breath slowed down and he was able to return to class and focus.

--A guidance counselor referred a first grade girl when her teacher reported that she seemed so quiet and withdrawn. Spending time with Coach once a week gave her the chance to talk with someone worthy of her trust and something special to look forward to. She also liked that she had a special visitor that the other students did not have. As the school year progressed, she was able to transfer some of the skills she used with Coach on to friendships with others in her classroom. The smile on her face when she saw Coach told the whole story.

--A second grader, referred by his teacher, was having difficulty coping with foster care. He sorted out his own feelings and fears by telling Coach who shared similar experiences as a shelter dog. He knew that Coach would understand because Coach had been left with strangers and was scared once too. By reassuring Coach that it was not his fault and that he needed to remember how well everything had turned out, he was actually comforting himself.

--An administrator referred a student who was withdrawn and not keeping up her work. With Coach in the room, adding comfort and no judgments, the girl shared that her life felt so overwhelming that she was thinking about suicide. When asked why she had not shared these feelings with anyone, she replied, ”Well, I’ve known Coach for a really long time.” You wouldn't think that having a dog around for a few years might become important enough to be a matter of life and death. Seems it was that day.

--Several students with diagnosis on the autism spectrum and referred by the schools mainstream consultant, found their time with Coach an event to look forward to. Their meetings also served as an opportunity to learn and practice social skills. The tactile experience of petting soft fur was relaxing and their interest in Coach gave them a common interest. They were able to develop the ability to be less internal and self-focused and to increase their communication skills.

Disclaimer: To protect the confidentiality of individuals, names, gender and ages, have been changed..