By Kelly Vates | Executive Director
Happy Spring Everyone!
Thank you for all your support of Fair Haven's Therapy Dog, Aspen! Our big furry bundle of love turned four years old in February! We celebrated with her favorite treat!
Aspen has been working at Fair Haven since she was just 9 weeks old! She has grown into her job well and is just made to do this work.
Just a couple weeks ago, Aspen was working with our clients that attend our adolescent group. She just loves these girls! The get down on the ground with her and she will lay on two or three of them at a time! They come early just for some extra "Aspen time."
That night, as group was in full swing, I began packing things up to head home. I start to head out the door, Aspen is no longer beside me. I look back and she is standing very still next to one of the clients right outside the group room door.
That night in group, they were working on their story. It was too much for this client and she exused herself. Aspen saw her before I saw her and she knew exactly what to do. They client had one hand on Aspens head and one hand on the door knob.
Aspen looked at me for a permission and I gave her a signal and she engaged by leaning slowly and softly against the cleint. I asked the client if she need Aspen and she said yes. She turnd away from the door and leaned onto Aspen.
After a few seconds, Aspen slowly guided her down to the carpet where the cuddled. No words needed. Everything that needed to be said was communicated through eye contact and gently nuddges.
After about five minutes, the client felt so much better. She thanked Aspen for helping her and headed back to group to finish this difficult step in her journey! How brave she is.
These are the moments that make this work worth it! There is not photo only a mended spirit touched by the miracle of animial assisted therapy. It's amazing and we couldn't do this without you! Our program is 100% community funded. So, every dollar you give goes directly to helping Aspen be the very best support for victims of sexual abuse.
Thank you again for your continued support.
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