Last March I received a phone call from Priscilla Hohmann, who worked at Americops*Vista and Picnkney Community Schools in Michigan. Priscilla proceeded to tell me that the high school special education students wrote “Bella The Helper Dog” a story about a service dog after learning about Stiggy’s Dogs. They then wanted to read this book to the Country Day Elementary Kindergarten class. Priscilla wanted to know if we were interested in attending this function? …
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The long pause was my mind racing to understand what she just said. WOW. Incredible ALL the way around!!! I am not sure if I said that out loud or not.
This was one of the most amazing experiences ever! Donna Fournier, Director of Training, Veteran Brian Ganhns with his Service Dog Rusty and I showed up for this touching event. We stood on a stage in the gym, while the Kindergarten classes were filing in. I was all smiles as I watched the kids eyes get big as they see Rusty. It got loud fast, filled with laughter, and squeals of delight. The gym filled with at least 60 small children and 10 adults. Then the doors opened as the High School Special education kids came in. This was huge for them, you could see the smiles on their faces, some uncertain and nervous, as they came on stage. One by one they introduced themselves to the kids, who grew quiet in anticipation. They proudly introduced themselves one by one, as they explained their book. They then book into groups and each High School student got to read the story out loud to their group! We walked around, answered questions. Rusty getting most of the attention and loving all the petting!!! The tears started rolling down my cheeks, I could not help but cry out of sheer awesomeness!!
This was a far fetched dream of mine …. public awareness where it matters, the youth! To change perception about Service Dogs for the future we need to start in Elementary Schools! However, trying to explain to Elementary age children about Service Dogs , PTSD, war wounds and how to heal, is hard for that age group. But here was my answer and it is even BETTER than I could have imagined!!! In fact, I read this book a month later to a whole school of eager listeners! How cool is that?
Oh the goodness did not stop there! We were all presented with our own book. On the last page of the book was a envelope for the kids to complete at home. Each child was to ask do a chore for a donation to give to Stiggys Dogs! Yep, that right!!! I am more than pleased to announced that they aised over $350!!! That must have been a LOT of chores!
These are one of those things that makes me so grateful for caring people. The High School Special Ed Department that took the time to research, learn and create. Their pride shined that day as it should. The Elementary children that took what they learned and then gave back. A community coming together to build a better tomorrow! What a honor to be a part of this …
And now I bring to you, the next Best Seller, “Bella The Helper Dog” Written by Angela Monaster and assisted by Pickney High School and illustrated by Helena Ecija
