Community Corner

Comfort Dogs Still Find Purpose in Newtown

New comfort dogs arrive in Newtown this week thanks to Sandy Hook Promise and a national dog care company.

They provide solace, companionship and stress relief. Comfort dogs have been a common sight in Newtown this year, showing up at community events and supporting kids and adults alike in one-on-one and group therapy.

"We believe in the healing power of dogs," says Camp Bow Wow's Laura Roach. "They make everyone smile."

The national dog care company -- specifically, their non-profit Scout's Angels initiative -- teamed with Sandy Hook Promise to bring a week of events, luncheons, visits and other activities with a variety of comfort dogs. The two organizations have recently taken steps to bring more comfort dogs, still needed in Newtown.

Two dogs -- Cashew and Nutmeg -- are joining Newtown full-time this week, being introduced to the community Thursday at Sandy Hook Promise headquarters on Queen Street.

Before they came, a group of therapists took their own comfort dogs on a trip through town, from Queen Street to the Police Department to the Sandy Hook Firehouse. (The dogs, pictured in the photo, are Putter, Gracie, Stryder and Mello. Not pictured is Schroeder.)

"Everyone was asking questions and everyone was smiling," said Roach. "People just saw us and wanted to know what was going on ... and to stop and pet the dogs."

So far they've joined kids at C.H. Booth Library for storytime, made an appearance at the senior center and helped first responders celebrate happy hour at My Place. Their Thursday schedule includes a pre-school visit and a barbecue for Sandy Hook families and school staff. (Both events are closed to the general public.)

After their trip, these dogs will head home. But Cashew and Nutmeg will stay forever.

"A Great Idea"

"It was such a great idea," said Sandy Hook Promise volunteer Laurie Kilchevsky, who helped arrange the event with social workers and Camp Bow Wow representatives from across the country. "It just took off and we all became like pen pals."

Social workers Jaceson Cole, Sarah Pellizari Mary Skene, Jaclyn Lockwood and their dogs came from as far away as Colorado -- when they flew east, Southeast Airlines gave the dogs their own seat, Kilchevsky said.

"As a therapist with a therapy dog, whatever position we have the dogs will be working with us," said Cole. Dogs have worked everywhere from schools to prisons to centers for at-risk youth.

"When they see you being compassionate to your dog, you're not a classic therapist," said Cole. "It's a bridge to trust.

Click here for more information on the therapy dogs and Camp Bow Wow's Scout's Angels program. Dogs will be open to meet the community 4 p.m. Thursday at Sandy Hook Promise offices.


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