Speaking of dogs, and what they give back – besides begging and slobbering and shedding – a Social Worker employed by Merced County in California started a program for at-risk teenagers. Apparently, this program allows teens to provide assistance-dog training and care to canines who are then place with persons afflicted with various disabilities such as mobility problems, hearing loss, autism, and mental illness.

The program is called the High-Schooled Assistance Dog Program. The website states that teens learn about abuse and domestic violence while increasing their own level of empathy, responsibility, and motivation.

I bet the non-judgmental affection and acceptance that is freely given by the animals to these young people – who probably have not experienced much of this in their lives – goes a long way towards healing a lot of hurt.

More information can be found at the Merced County website: http://www.co.merced.ca.us/index.asp?NID=976