Therapy dogs help under-served and vulnerable youth build empathy, self-esteem, and life skills.
Photo via dnainfo.com
Here’s a wonderful story from New York City, where an organization called A Fair Shake for Youth uses therapy dogs to help children in inner-city schools. Founder Audrey Hendler launched the project when she realized that no one was thinking of using dogs in this way:
Hendler noticed that while there were programs that brought dogs into prisons, hospitals and senior homes, there were not programs aimed at harnessing the power of dogs to shape positive development in kids.
“Why are we waiting until kids are all grown up to bring them the amazing impact of dogs?” Hendler wondered.
In three years, A Fair Shake for Youth has used some 35 dogs to reach 400 kids and help them learn lessons about empathy, compassion, and trust—things that will help them negotiate the trials of life better. In the video below, Hendler explains the ins and outs of the program and the successes it has enjoyed so far.