A Cardigan Puppy Is Good for the Soul
Photo Meta Feenstra-Minet
I got a lovely email today from a young man who got one of my puppies almost three years ago. He'd been referred by an old friend who had two or three of my dogs over the years. She's a psychologist and she suggested a therapy dog for him and referred him to me because she thought the breed was ideal.
He told me he'd been 'in a dark and difficult place' when he and Emma first met. She had been an integral part of getting him out of it. He's now off all medication and treatment and told me about how successful his life has become now.
An amazing story and one I'm proud to have been part of. I'm sure his own strength gets just as much credit, especially when you think of all the angry and alienated young men with guns we've heard about over the past couple of years.
He came to the house to get the puppy and I never got a hint of schizophrenia or even deep depression, but he credits her for saving his life. She's been on several flights and a cross-country road trip and he said everyone who meets Emma falls in love.
It made me think that in my mystery series about the dog show scene I've never done a therapy or service dog so I asked him if he'd like to help me develop a character.
7 November 2013
Karen Harbert, Tucson, Arizona
29.01.2014
