Teacher's Pet: Dogs and Kids Learning Together

So we have now entered our 5th week of training with the dogs at the MCJJC. For some odd reason, in EVERY class we teach, in week five, our dogs don't want to work. It's kind of like hitting that plateau when you're dieting. So Tuesday was rough! But today was great! Today the dogs and kids looked like pros! You'd think they've been training for months. We have a very large area to work in and all the kids spread out at times. At one point today Berry (direct care staff worker) and I just sat down and looked around at the kids and just couldn't believe our eyes. Each kid was working and their dog was responding and it's only week five. It was truly a beautiful site to see! :)
It was one of those bitter-sweet days. K is going home tomorrow. He's been there a really long time and is done serving his time. He's a great kid and there is no doubt in my mind he has learned his lesson and will not be back. At the beginning of our program K was quiet, didn't like to ask/answer questions, and seemed hesitant about training his dog Tucker. Today he was a pro! Tucker now knows sit, stay, lay down, shake, dance (and his dance is perfect), and he is really good at loose leash walking! Tucker will continue in the program and work with A until we swap the dogs out but he really could be adopted out now if we had too. And to think that Tucker was considered un-adoptable just five weeks ago!


Fortunately, we were able to do a mini graduation for him. About 10 minutes early we all gathered around to watch what K show Tucker off and when I handed K his graduation certificate he seemed a little speechless, smiled and just said "That's cool!". The other kids all signed a card for K and said things like "we're proud of you!" and "you've come a long way!". K expressed how he'll miss Tucker and each kid that he has gotten to know in class. K loved his picture of him and Tucker and his new dog book.






At the end of class today I asked K if he was proud of himself. He looked at me with this big beautiful smile and said "Yes, I am proud of myself.". I could see it in his face and smile, it had all just sunk in. He had just realized that he had accomplished something to be proud of and not only were we all proud of him but HE was proud of HIMSELF. He now has the courage to go home tomorrow and get a new start.



(pic - A, Tucker, and K taking a walk)


I wish you the best K and will pray for your future to be as bright as that smile I saw today. (tear)

Lisa