Dogs Help Youth See Themselves In A New Way
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Home Family -> subcategory Pets.
Dogs Help Youth Discover New Perspectives
Summary:
In a unique 4-H program, young people are developing responsibility and self-confidence by training Seeing Eye dogs.---
Article:
Through a partnership with The Seeing Eye, over 70 4-H clubs in New Jersey and nearby areas are engaging more than 800 dogs in training. These clubs focus on enhancing the independence of individuals who are blind. True to the 4-H tradition of youth leadership, the responsibility for the dogs lies with the young participants, not their parents.
Participants teach the dogs basic obedience, socialize them, and expose them to various scenarios they might encounter as Seeing Eye dogs.
Seventeen-year-old Esther Middlekauff, president of the Ocean County 4-H Club in New Jersey, is now raising her sixth dog for the program. She leads club activities and mentors those new to the responsibilities involved in working with these special dogs.
"Training can be challenging," Esther said, "but it helps us all build character and persistence."
Working with these dogs provides young people with a sense of purpose. For Ezekiel Gonzalez from the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission's Fresh Start community home, this experience was transformative. Meeting Spock, a 1-year-old Labrador retriever, allowed Ezekiel and other residents to engage in fostering for the Ocean County 4-H Club.
Ezekiel has learned valuable life lessons from working with Spock. "Spock teaches me patience," he said. "He relies on me for support and to keep him safe."
According to Michael Dindak, Fresh Start superintendent, "For these boys to care for something of their own gives them hope. Spock has been a very helpful addition to both our residents and staff."
Despite the challenges, the 4-Hers understand the importance of their work. "Sometimes a good thing is hard to do," Esther remarked. "But knowing my dog will help someone is fulfilling."
4-H is a community where young people across America develop leadership, citizenship, and life skills.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Dogs Help Youth See Themselves In A New Way.
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