Bright Spot therapy dog James and I were interviewed this morning by ABC40. We were joined by Bright Spot volunteer Matthew Owen and his two therapy dogs Teagan and Spider. The interview took place at the VA Hospital in Leeds, Massachusetts, where Matthew and his dogs make weekly visits to the Veterans. The broadcast will air this evening sometime between 5:00-6:30. If you’re not near a TV at that time, the segment will be on the ABC website.
James, an English Setter, is my special ambassador for the meaningful work our therapy dogs do out in the community in a myriad of healthcare and educational settings. This wonderful dog can go anywhere and engage with anyone who wants to pet his head and scratch is ears.
Teagan, a French Bulldog, is a small dog and can sit on the Vets’ laps. I wish I had had a camera to capture the expression on Teagan’s face as she was hugged and petted by the Vets…. it was the cutest “Bulldog” smile – and she rolls her big round eyes in an endearing way. And – she was dressed in a “skunk” costume! Adorable.
Spider, a rescue German Shepherd, who is on medication for PTSD (as a result of abuse in her former home), receives special encouragement and kindness from the Vets – many who suffer from PTSD themselves as a result of the war. Spider helps them and they help Spider. (sorry no photo of Spider)
Therapy dogs and Veterans… the power of the human-canine bond at work. As the Vets pet and hugged the dogs, they talked about their experiences in the service. All the while they pet the dogs’ fur. One Vet had been a dog trainer by profession. He loved holding James’ leash and telling stories about training dogs. He commented that James was a very gentle, calm dog.
Bright Spot Therapy Dogs is very pleased to be interviewed by ABC. We hope that the many people watching the broadcast tonight will get a glimpse at the meaningful work our Bright Spot dogs do for the soldiers at The VA and The Soldiers Home, as well as patients at other hospitals, nursing homes, psychiatric facilities, hospice care, Alzheimer’s units, and at variety of educational settings working with children.