In my next life, I want to be a therapy dog.
I took part of Friday off to take T to a PA Day paw therapy program hosted by the amazing Surrey Place team as part of their ongoing services for children with FASD and caregivers.
T and I loved the horse therapy program they organized for the PA Day in October and he was so excited for this latest outing; he got ready in record time that morning.
There were four therapy dogs, brought in by their volunteer owners from Sunshine Therapy Dogs.
There were seven families, including us, most of whom we met in the prior outing.
I enjoyed sitting down and watching the kids, caregivers and adult staff play with the dogs.
T was apprehensive at first. He loves dogs – and often complains it’s not fair he doesn’t have a younger brother or dog and that all he has are two cats 🤣 – but he also gets anxious around them.
He asked to borrow my coat, wanting to use it as an armour of protection, and he rolled up his hands and his head inside them.
By the end of the hour, he was on the ground and having a blast with the dogs, of whom Rosie the boxer he was particularly smitten with.
Research shows that dogs can bring a sense of calm and comfort for kids with special needs – and I certainly saw that magic happen with my own eyes.
I am so thankful for services such as Surrey Place. They make a positive impact in furthering awareness, community and wellbeing.
I am also thankful for how the universe brings people into my life in ways that are not coincidental.
Three years ago, I had a random conversation with a single mother at T’s daycare park. I deduced her two adopted children likely had FASD. It was the first and only time we saw each other.
And yup, you guessed it, she was at the paw therapy program with her eldest child. It took me a few minutes to realize why she looked so familiar and she was surprised I remembered her. 😊
I am glad she is getting supports now too.
It was hard to say goodbye to the dogs. I wanted to take Moose the bulldog home – but thankfully I knew better. 😆
My Life With T 
I love the sound of this paw therapy program!! But I gotta say, cats are so much better! I would totally take two cats over a pet dog. These pictures are priceless. Enjoy the rest of the holidays!
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Thanks Linda. I am a cat person for sure two. I think a dog, especially one that is suited for therapy programs, better fits with T’s temperament. Oh well. 😆
I had quite the unexpected holiday journey, which I’ll write more about later, but thankful for the happy moments spent with my family.
Hope you’re getting more sleep amidst the joy with baby Margaret!
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Let’s just say that I can’t wait until she’s at the age where we can start sleep training!
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And potty training. Oh the joys and adventures that lie ahead! 😆
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T really bonded well with Rosie 🐕
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Thanks Faith. He sure did. I hope he can have his own dog one day when he’s older.
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Fact: I used to be afraid of dogs until I was 16 and I really needed guidance to learn that there’s nothing better than a well-trained dog and how to handle dogs and how to spot a problem dog. I can’t wait to have my own dog now! It’s great you’re getting T off to a good start
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Thanks Claire. Dogs can feel scary for sure. I felt the same way too as a kid. But I can see now as an adult the therapeutic qualities they bring. Hope you get your own dog soon!
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Made me smile, so cool p. 😊
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Thanks Gary. As a dog owner, I knew you’d enjoy this one. 😊
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It’s so cool you crossed paths with that single mother you met three years ago! Dog therapy sounds like a really great way to bring calmness and peace not only to children with special needs, but also to adults. Or at least that’s how I feel after seeing the photos of those dogs and imagining the kind of interaction one would have with them.
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Thanks Bama. Life works in mysteriously wonderful ways in how it brings people together. 😊
Dogs and cats in general are so calming. Did you have pets growing up?
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I used to have cats until I moved out of my parents’ house. I do miss having them actually. Luckily, at the garden near my apartment there are fluffy cats who I like to play with.
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You definitely strike me as a cat person! 😊
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Really? How is that so? 😄
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I think your personality as I interpret it strikes me as a cat person – thoughtful, detail oriented, meticulous, etc. 😊 All traits of cat people.
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😊😊😊
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Moose is so cute 😊
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He was so cute! I wanted to take him home but am glad I did not!
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What a special experience for T! Also, what a miracle that you run into that adoptive mother again after planting the seed of FASD in her mind.
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Thanks Erin. It was a fun afternoon indeed. 😊 I don’t think I planted a seed. I think she knew. But I’m glad I was able to help show there were others on a similar journey as her in our brief conversation three years ago.
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That’s so beautiful! It’s really such a gift to recognize others at your side when going down a tough path.
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Ohhhhh! Thank you for sharing…the dogs and T look like they were having a blast…and the fact that you encountered the mom/acquaintance? Love that! Hugs to all. 🥰🥰🥰
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Thanks Vicki. It was a wonderful afternoon and the re-encounter with the mom was very neat too! 😊
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I LOVE this program! Until just now, I didn’t know there was such a program, but what a great thing! Love the pics, the dogs … and all the good they are doing. Thanks for sharing this one, Ab … you’ve brought a smile to this tired, old face tonight!
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Thanks Jill. I’ve never heard of this program until through this recent experience and I agree that it is excellent. 😊🙏
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Gotta love dogs! God’s gift to mankind, especially therapy dogs.
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They really are a gift to mankind. Thanks Brian. 😊
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Many shelters and pet adoption charities have volunteer programs to walk, play with and generally socialize dogs to help them become more ready for adoption. It can be a very positive way to get that hit of doggie love and see yourself as a valued helper without making a 24/7 x years commitment. Don’t know if those are available to you, but worth checking out if they are.
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Thank you Margaret. I will take a look at this for when T is older. It would be a great experience while giving him his dog fox too! 🙏
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I love this! I have never heard of a program like this where I live. So when are you adopting a dog? 🤣
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This was a lot of fun. And no, we are not adopting a dog. We barely have enough time for our two cats. 😆
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Nice, it was a wonderful moment
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Thank you, it was a wonderful afternoon. 😊
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Oh, you know you actually need a dog now, right?
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No. 😂 While it’s a lovely idea, we barely have enough time for our two cats. 😊
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Haha, I know, but i couldn’t resist 🙂
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Therapy Dogs are the best
If you haven’t you should read Chancer. It is written by Donnie Kantor Winakor. Her kids have FASD. Amazing book. I would love to have a place like Surrey Place here in Albany NY. One day!
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Thanks Rebecca. I will have to take a look for Chancer. Never heard of it and it sounds like a good read! 😊
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Oh Ab, I have the biggest smile on my face right now! Rosie with her paw on T’s foot and her face nose to nose like “hey bud, everything is cool, wanna play?” My heart is full to bursting.
So glad you had a good time 🙂
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Thanks Deb. 😊 It was a lovely afternoon spent together. That photo indeed was one of my favourite moments from our time with the dogs.
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Oh, this is so special. Moose!! He’s adorable. I’ve spent some time with people that train assistance dogs (and a pony) – they really make such a difference. That is so cool that you saw that mom from a couple of years ago. Amazing! Love the way you find all sorts of ways to give T insights and experiences! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Thank you Wynne. 😊 Moose stole my heart the second he walked in with his tongue permanently sticking out. I can imagine how rewarding it is to train these assistance animals and to see the joy they bring others. 💕 And yes, meeting the mom again was cool. No coincidences in this world. 🙏
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