| History of the Canine Coach Program
In 1999, Dawn Danielson, past RCHS Executive Director and present
Board Chair, approached Susan Robertson, a professional dog trainer in
Encinitas. Dawn asked Susan if she would be interested in allowing our
shelter dogs to attend her obedience classes. Not only was Susan
supportive, she volunteered to donate her services to help our dogs become
more adoptable. Since the start of the Canine Coach Program, thanks to
Susan Robertson, volunteers and Dawn's vision, more than 200 dogs have had
the opportunity to become better companions.
The Beginning of the New Program
Gentleness programs are part of the mission of humane societies. The
population of children who can benefit most from these programs are from
violent homes who either stay in domestic violence shelters or live in
transitional homes. Children who have lived in inconsistent environments
may have been hit instead of comforted and may experience emotional or
learning difficulties, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity,
impulsivity or aggression. The kids who have been exposed to animals often
experience sadness, loss or pain as a result of having a pet.
After attending several workshops and presentations about child and
animal abuse, I wanted to expand the Animal Safehouse Program's
educational outreach by developing an innovative program for abused and
neglected children. Once again, Susan was approached. She immediately
grasped the program's potential and generously said, "Lets do it". Susan's
compassion combined with her practical, gentle training methods makes her
ideal for working with at risk kids. The Canine Coach Kids Program
connects RCHS dogs with at-risk teenagers who will experience empowerment,
competence, trust and positive reinforcement while learning gentle dog
training methods. In a safe environment working together, confidence grows
in both the child and dog. The kids are given an opportunity to focus on
something outside of themselves, learn a skill, gain self-esteem and have
fun. Giving these children a chance to be trusted may make a difference in
their lives. |
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The teens are very excited about the program, and their supervisors are
amazed at how gentle the kids are with the dogs. The course has a six week
commitment, and there is already a waiting list for the next session of
classes. Photos are taken at the close of each class and the children are
asked to compile a scrapbook and write about their experiences. At
graduation, the children receive "Canine Coach Kids" Certificates of
Completion. Rancho Coastal Humane Society program which will help at-risk
children and homeless animals in our community.
You can help us break the cycle of violence to children and animals. By
sponsoring a Canine Coach Kid at $75.00 per child, your contribution will
cover the cost of transporting the dogs to class, photos, t-shirts,
sweatshirts aprons, and graduation certificates. Just write Canine Coach
Kid on your donation check (please make check payable to RCHS) or
call RCHS to use your MasterCard or Visa. If you are interested in
learning more about the new program or volunteering to help, please call
(760) 756-6413.
This article was taken from "The WAG TIMES"
Rancho Coastal Humane Society's Magazine Author: Patricia Oppelt |
