My name is Carol, and I have a nine-year-old standard poodle named Gracie. About a year ago, Gracie and I began making therapy dog visits, and in October 2022, after our 100th visit, Gracie was “officially” caped.
One of the most impactful places we often visit is Cedar Lane School in Howard County. Cedar Lane is a school for students with severe disabilities and autism. During our early October back-to-school visit, a rather tall teenager was brought into the cafeteria to join the group. His name was Darrell. The staff told me he was new to the school, had not been verbal, and they weren’t sure how he would react with the dogs. So, I brought Gracie came over to say hi and helped him pet her on her body to start. From his great petting ability, it seemed a good and soothing experience for both Darrell and Gracie. Several times during the visit, it looked like Darrell was trying to say something but was unable to. However, he looked happy and content while petting Gracie. Our time for the visit ended, and I quietly said to Darrell that Gracie and I needed to leave, to which he looked at us and said, “Bye.” Such a simple expression but said so much. Petting Gracie had enabled Darrell to find his word and to speak it clearly.