By Kelly Vates | Executive Director
Please join me in wishing Aspen a Happy Birthday! Aspen turned 3 years old on February 26, 2018. She has been "working" at Fair Haven since she was just 9 weeks old...and she loves it!
Aspen has acquired several regular clients. All, of course, are her "favorite!" :) She patiently waits by the window for them to arrive and greets them at the door with a smile and a wagging tail. Recently, one of Aspen's "favorite" clients came into the office, walked right to my door, sat on the carpet and said to Aspen, "you are the only reason I got out of bed today." She gives her clients love, comfort and a reason to make good coping choices.
Aspen has been requested to start visiting other service providers who can not acquire a Certified Therapy Dog. We are working on a schedule for her to visit a local Domestic VIolence Shelter in the area once or twice a month. We will add traveling Therapy Dog to her resume!
We continue to work on Aspen's training. However, she is performing well with very little direction. As you can see by the picture below, she takes grounding clients very seriously. Because of her size, close to 90 pounds, her weight is very useful with compressions for those who struggle with anxiety, panic and fear. Just by sitting in her "home" position, pressing against the body of the client (and a lick on the hand or cheek) the client's anxiety begins to decrease.
Our canine advocacy services are completely funded by donations through the community. Thank you for your continued support of our project! As you can see, you are helping us make a difference in the lives of survivors of sexual assault.
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