Coco inspired young children and their parents as her mom, Michelle Karb, gave a talk on therapy dogs, read from Coco’s latest books, and more. Read all about this special program for youngsters in East Haven, Vermont.
Here’s Coco…
Mom and I worked Saturday morning at my grandmother’s library in East Haven, Vermont. We were presenters two years ago, as well, and Gram asked if we would come back. I was excited that my father, grandmother, and grandfather were in attendance, along with my uncle, two aunts, and three cousins.
Mom planned a craft for children and prepared a presentation about therapy dogs. We also shared the books she and I wrote, and offered wagon rides to children. Since I ride in a wagon when I engage in therapy work because of my forelimb amputation, we decided to offer opportunities for children to ride in my wagon with me.
I had a wonderful time! Before the actual program began, several adults came to the front to talk with Mom about therapy dog work and about me. The people were so great – they obviously LOVE dogs. I got lots of attention from them as they talked with Mom. One gentleman had tears in his eyes when he and Mom talked about my battle with cancer, as he shared the loss of his dog to the dreaded disease. He petted me and kept telling me what a good girl I am.
Mom started the program by explaining therapy dog work, talking about why she and I got involved, and sharing my life story. She went on to talk about Bright Spot Reading Buddies and the books that she and I have written. As she talked and responded to questions, I lay in my wagon next to her with my tail wagging.
Next, she used the computer and projector to project two different Reading Buddy books of mine, Coco’s New Life and Coco’s Red Wagon. She read them as they were projected on a large screen so everyone could see them. Adults and children really enjoyed the presentation and the books.
We also had a raffle, where people won stuffed Labrador Retrievers and three of my books. The children and the adults appreciated the raffle. Next, children took turns riding in my wagon with me. They all enjoyed their two-on-one time with Mom and me.
After children took their wagon rides, some of them engaged in the dog-themed craft Mom designed, creating dogs from hearts. These dogs were interesting…some of them did not even look like dogs! Gram had prepared snacks and goodie bags for people to take, and Mom had prepared doggie bags (with lots of dog treats) for people to take home to their dogs.
As Mom and I finished the wagon rides, many adults talked with Mom about our books, explaining how much they enjoyed them. One couple was VERY excited about the prospect of therapy dog work. Both the husband and the wife were very enamored with me, and I enjoyed all the attention they gave me. They have lost several dogs over the years and they want to get a puppy soon to train for therapy dog work. They were inspired by Mom’s presentation and by me. They hope to travel to Northampton, Massachusetts for Bright Spot Therapy Dog Training Classes when they are ready.
I cannot think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning than listening to Mom talk about therapy dog work, hearing two of my books read aloud, listening to discussions about me, riding in my wagon with children, raffling off some cool prizes, and getting lots of attention. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. ~Coco