Love Conquers Fear
This is another article I had written for Speak, the newsletter of Canine Therapy Corps.http://www.caninetherapycorps.org/
Rehabilitation is a lot about learning new things. Individuals who experience the onset of disability or chronic illness must learn many new things while interacting with others and the environment as they face new challenges. Often it is necessary to learn to do basic activities of daily living using a new technique or with the aid of adaptive equipment. As people participate in the rehabilitative process, they must deal with a host of professionals new to them, and also learn a myriad of terms to add to their vocabulary. Due to the required new skills and knowledge, rehabilitation is indeed a lot about learning new things. It is also a lot about courage.
When I was a child, there was a popular cartoon hero called Under Dog. His well-known slogan was “Never fear, Under Dog is here!” as though the very presence of a beloved canine could instill bravery. While Under Dog is a fictional character, it may in fact be true that a dog can help to dissipate fear.
In a recent session with Canine Therapy Corps, I observed an amazing and heartwarming transformation. JJ, a bright and delightful third grader who uses a wheelchair, came to the session following a long day of inpatient therapy. Initially, JJ was not so sure she wanted to be there because she was afraid of dogs. When first introduced to Bonnie Blue an adorable and charming mixed breed member of the Corps, JJ cowered in terror. After coaxing, she mustered up the bravery to stay. Bonnie Blue with her beautiful eyes and winsome ways won JJ over. As the session continued, I watched as JJ began to interact with Bonnie Blue. Before long, JJ was happily “shaking hands” as Bonnie Blue eagerly presented her paw. JJ also began assertively giving commands to Bonnie Blue to sit, stay, and “finish”. JJ successfully participated in “show and tell” with Bonnie Blue. At the end of the session, JJ had her picture taken hugging Emma, an enormous Irish wolfhound.
As I reflect on this little girl’s transition from anxiety to boldness, I wonder whether the courage that she employs facing the work of rehabilitation helps her to be brave enough to interact with dogs, or whether the bravery she found with the Canine Therapy Corps will help her to courageously continue to face the challenges of life with a disability. Perhaps both are true. I am also reminded that love does cast away fear.
Though Bonnie Blue may not be a super-hero, she certainly helps to calm fears and encourage triumph in new things.
Rehabilitation is a lot about learning new things. Individuals who experience the onset of disability or chronic illness must learn many new things while interacting with others and the environment as they face new challenges. Often it is necessary to learn to do basic activities of daily living using a new technique or with the aid of adaptive equipment. As people participate in the rehabilitative process, they must deal with a host of professionals new to them, and also learn a myriad of terms to add to their vocabulary. Due to the required new skills and knowledge, rehabilitation is indeed a lot about learning new things. It is also a lot about courage.
When I was a child, there was a popular cartoon hero called Under Dog. His well-known slogan was “Never fear, Under Dog is here!” as though the very presence of a beloved canine could instill bravery. While Under Dog is a fictional character, it may in fact be true that a dog can help to dissipate fear.
In a recent session with Canine Therapy Corps, I observed an amazing and heartwarming transformation. JJ, a bright and delightful third grader who uses a wheelchair, came to the session following a long day of inpatient therapy. Initially, JJ was not so sure she wanted to be there because she was afraid of dogs. When first introduced to Bonnie Blue an adorable and charming mixed breed member of the Corps, JJ cowered in terror. After coaxing, she mustered up the bravery to stay. Bonnie Blue with her beautiful eyes and winsome ways won JJ over. As the session continued, I watched as JJ began to interact with Bonnie Blue. Before long, JJ was happily “shaking hands” as Bonnie Blue eagerly presented her paw. JJ also began assertively giving commands to Bonnie Blue to sit, stay, and “finish”. JJ successfully participated in “show and tell” with Bonnie Blue. At the end of the session, JJ had her picture taken hugging Emma, an enormous Irish wolfhound.
As I reflect on this little girl’s transition from anxiety to boldness, I wonder whether the courage that she employs facing the work of rehabilitation helps her to be brave enough to interact with dogs, or whether the bravery she found with the Canine Therapy Corps will help her to courageously continue to face the challenges of life with a disability. Perhaps both are true. I am also reminded that love does cast away fear.
Though Bonnie Blue may not be a super-hero, she certainly helps to calm fears and encourage triumph in new things.
Comments
What a good story and lesson. I very much enjoyed this.
Pat T.