What an amazing opportunity!
First, I took 30 hours of mandatory volunteer training. Next, Murphy and I gave a presentation to the shelter staff about the difference dogs can make in people's lives using animal assisted therapy. It didn't take much convincing. I took Murphy's leash off and he proceeded to charm the room. The atmosphere changed immediately. People smiled, some laughed and nearly everyone sat up from their business meeting slouch and leaned forward, reaching out for Murphy. Their body language was clear. "When do I get to pet the big brown dog?"
With approval from the higher ups we were ready to begin. We sat down with the director of client services to come up with a plan. We talked through the possibilities and decided to start with visits when group counseling was offered. When Moms brought their kids along, there was a playroom for them, overseen by a volunteer. Those kids would soon meet the shelter's first canine volunteer.
We arrived for the first visit and headed to the playroom where Murphy was introduced to the kids. One little girl, 5-year-old Olivia, walked right up to 90-pound Murphy and hugged him. He turned to look at her, wagged his tail, and she giggled.
With approval from the higher ups we were ready to begin. We sat down with the director of client services to come up with a plan. We talked through the possibilities and decided to start with visits when group counseling was offered. When Moms brought their kids along, there was a playroom for them, overseen by a volunteer. Those kids would soon meet the shelter's first canine volunteer.
We arrived for the first visit and headed to the playroom where Murphy was introduced to the kids. One little girl, 5-year-old Olivia, walked right up to 90-pound Murphy and hugged him. He turned to look at her, wagged his tail, and she giggled.
In those days, I carried a special backpack when Murphy visited folks. It had his favorite toys and games, extra gear, his water bottle and treats. Olivia was a regular and liked to pull everything out of the pack. She played the muffin pan game with Murphy. She played tug. She brushed him. She played with his tail. She watered him. She gave him dog cookies. And she wanted to walk him. When Olivia reached for my leash, I asked her to wait a moment - that I had one just for her. It was a short leash, easily managed by a child. I clipped it to Murphy's collar and off we went, me on one side with his regular leash attached to his harness, Olivia on the other with her leash attached to his collar. She led Murphy all around the offices, talking a mile a minute. She showed him every room, chair, wastebasket, and picture. And Murphy, as always, did his job, walking and wagging, happy hanging out with his new friend.
One moment in particular was a wow: Olivia leaned over Murphy, hugged him tight, laid her head on him, and said "I love you, Murphy." Then she let him win at Chutes & Ladders.
