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Every now and then we choose a "Cover Dog" for our site. When we have a dog that achieves a Championship, performance title, some other major achievement, or is just SPECIAL in some way, we will provide an "attaboy" that explains what makes that "Cover Dog" so great. If you are a member of GGPWCF, and you have a dog that deserves some special recognition, please e-mail our GGPWCF Webmaster, and we will tell you what we need to post your dog's information. This time we have the opportunity to feature one of our Therapy dogs! To see the previous cover dogs, please click here.
"Giggles"
Jade Tree Penway MyGalwyn
Meet “Giggles,” my 9 year old, fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Giggles is a Therapy Dog, registered with Therapy Dogs International. She was introduced to her special friend and a class of 23 other kindergartners in the fall of 2010. This leap into volunteering was Giggles first such experience. The ease with which she embraced the experience speaks volumes about her comfort and fit with the program. The concept of a therapy dog was introduced tothe students and they are aware that the dog has a special function within the group.
The focus that Giggles inherently extended to her special person within the class of 24 was amazing! Giggles’ friend, a five year old girl, deals with severe anxiety in situations such as the classroom where there is both variety and intensity of stimuli and activity. Her anxiety was overwhelming and initially she was unable to communicate or even make eye contact with others in the room. After being introduced, Giggles sat quietly beside her person, providing reassurance and calm within her new friend’s personal classroom space. In addition, Giggles now provides a reason for the other students to be drawn to and connect with a classmate who might otherwise feel isolated from the group.
Giggles attends class twice a week for about an hour, during which time regular individual and group activities take place. Giggles and I move between locations in the classroom as activities change. As Giggles’ associate/Mom, I was the first adult in the class with whom Giggles’ special friend spoke. She initially told me about her family dogs. During the past 6 months, major advances have taken place for this student. She began to communicate with the teacher, a very significant milestone, then to venture away from Giggles to talk and interact with other students. Her ability to be more comfortable and to interact in the class room has grown significantly.
The teacher points out that Giggle’s presence in class benefits all the students by bringing a family climate and sense of home into the school environment. This kindergarten group feels quite special as they are the only class in the school which includes a dog. Recently, I asked this student’s Mother if she felt Giggles had completed the adjustment function for her daughter. Resounding support was given for continuing the association as Giggles stories are frequent topics of conversation initiated at home when she tells the family about kindergarten activities.
While being a fluffy Corgi excluded Giggles from a conformation career, there is no limit to the love and value of such a wonderful animal! Beyond the benefits provided by a therapy dog to a single individual, all students in the class have been exposed to the unrestricted, unselfish love and joy Giggles provides. Students throughout the entire school have met Giggles and have learned about the Therapy Dog program. Equally important, these students have learned about interacting properly and kindly with a valued animal friend.
Bred by Jan Edwards, Jade Tree Penway Pembroke Corgis; Owned and loved by Wyn Hoffman
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