What a Difference a Year Makes

I finally understand the phrase "What a difference a year makes."

Today was my anniversary of volunteering for Merlin's Kids!

A year ago, I contacted Janice Wolfe, a behaviorist to help rehabilitate my problem dog, Atticus Finch. She mentioned that she was looking for an intern, so I applied for the job. Who knew that I would become a Natural Canine Behavior Rehabilitation Specialist through United K9 Professionals or teach therapy and service dog classes, or shear alpaca, or touch the lives of children with special needs through Merlin's Kids and so much more!

My previous entry shares just a couple of the amazing children I met. I finally get why they call children with special needs "special needs" because society needs to realize just how special these children truly are.

I have never met a young boy quite like Lex, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy but leads a secret life of being an alpaca whisperer.

Or Hunter, an autistic boy who became a bar mitzvah last weekend. Mazel Tov Hunter, Toby and family! I am SO PROUD of you!

How about Prince Aidan, who used to not be able to get ready for school or even eat on his own and is now making honor roll! How Aidan has transformed in the past year is astounding.

                              

I can go on and on about these remarkable children. Needless to say, my whole perspective about the special needs community has changed. I encourage those who have not been exposed to children with autism and other special needs to explore it. Go volunteer. These kids will change your life. Next time you see a child in a public place having a melt down, you may begin to understand the complexities of WHY they are having that meltdown, what a service dog could do to avoid or lessen that meltdown, and how you, as a passerby, can have empathy and kindness instead of disgust and anger. 

Here are just a couple of highlights from my year at Merlin's Kids and United K9 Professionals (not in chronological or any sensical order): 

Attending the Westminster Dog Show

Whelping puppies at 4AM on Thanksgiving

Shearing Alpaca (not one of my happiest moments, but it was unforgettable!)

Teaching Heart of Niagra Rescue how dogs view too much restraint at a vet clinic (similar to being abducted by aliens. I was the "dog," to the left you have the vet tech drawing my blood and to the right you have the 300lb vet tech cutting off my airways to subdue me from biting her. And you wonder why your pet hates going to the vet...) 

We also performed this demonstration at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, when we lectured through the Animal Behavior Club. Luckily other vet students were used as volunteers that time. Having Janice speak to the future of veterinary medicine was so exciting. We had over 70 students attend that lecture. That is 70 veterinarians who won't have to euthanize dogs for behavioral issues! 

And being a guest on "For the Love of DoG," a radio show that gives weekly behavior tips to dog owners every Friday at 7PM Eastern time. I also received a few shoutouts on "From Shelter Dog to Service Dog," a weekly radio show that teaches people therapy/service dog techniques every Tuesday at 7PM Eastern time. 

I'd just like to just give my mentor, Janice Wolfe, a shout out for inspiring me to pursue the path I am on, for supporting me in this endeavor, and just teaching me maybe 5% of what she's learned in life, which is quite a lot! 

I am so blessed to have been handed this opportunity and encourage you to experience the joy that I have had. If you are interested in volunteering, interning, or fostering through Merlin's Kids, please contact me so I can hook you up with the right people and the right opportunity. 

Although I focused most of my post on Merlin's Kids and United K9 Professionals because of my "volunteeriversary," I also was blessed by some other phenomenal experiences. Holistic Pet Care reaffirmed my passion to pursue veterinary medicine. Planting trees in the Negev Desert strengthened my Zionism and reminded me how important it is to be human and help humanity, even if you are entering an animal profession.

(If you scroll down there a few more cute pictures)