Meet Aspen! Certified Therapy Dog.

Happy Fall!  As you can see, Aspen is still loving on survivors of sexual assault and trafficking!  This picture is of her working with one of the teen clients in the middle of the lobby...because that is where she was needed! 

I was scrolling through Facebook the other day and one of those "time hop" photos popped up on my page. 

It was of Aspen! 

Not a surprise because the majority of my photos are of her!  The time-hop photo was from 9 years ago from one of her early days on the job at Fair Haven Rape Crisis Center!  NINE YEARS!

It's hard to believe it's been 9 1/2 years with Aspen serving as a Certified Therapy Dog. How time flies when your serving others while covered in fur & slobber! I remember a time I showed up to a Sexual Assault Response Team meeting and one of my colleague's leaned over and said, "you have dog drool on your blazer."  I just laughed!  It really has become my norm! 

The photo attached here was the very first time Aspen & I met!  She was just a few pounds, very white with just flecks of gold and fit in my hands.  She came from a litter of 9 but she was the one.  So sweet, so gentle and calm.  I picked her up out of the pen and cuddled her.  I whispered into her little ear, "Do you want to come with me?" I continued to tell her that this was going to be a working gig as we would spend our time loving on and helping lots of people.  She looked right into my eyes and stared at me for a moment, gave me a soft, gentle lick on the nose and then burried her little face into mine!  That was it!  That was the beginning!  And what a journey it has been.

So many treats, so many people and so much fur! lol!  But, it's been one amazing journey! Today we are announcing that Aspen will officially retire of December 31, 2024.  Working with her has been the highlight of my career!  

"Will you get a new dog?" That is the question I have been asked the most since the announcement.  To be honest, we have not made any decisions about replacing a therapy dog for the agency.  However, for me personally, my answer is no.  Aspen is my dog, my parner and my best friend. She will continue to live out the rest of her days in my home and showered with her favorite treats and love.

Thank you so much for your unwavering support of Aspen and I along this journey!  As a Survivor Leader, I personally understand the impact an animal can make in one's journey toward wholeness.  We could not have done this without you!  Your contributions have made such an difference in the lives of so many survivors!