At Bal Swan Children’s Center, every child is encouraged to learn, grow and discover what they are capable of. Soon, the children may have a very special new friend helping them along the way.
Bal Swan is preparing to welcome a specially trained therapy dog to its school community, an exciting opportunity that will bring comfort, connection and countless learning opportunities to children of all abilities.
Making this possible is the generosity of Guys Who Give, a local men’s group that donated the $7,500 needed to bring the dog to Bal Swan through Canine Partners of the Rockies. Canine Partners will then train the dog specifically for Bal Swan, creating a partnership based on what will best serve the school and its children.
They will not be a service or medical dog. Instead, their training will be tailored to the unique needs of the Bal Swan community.
And the possibilities are pretty amazing.
Imagine arriving at school and being greeted each morning by a happy, loving dog waving at you. For children who experience separation anxiety, that warm welcome could help make saying goodbye to mom or dad just a little easier. Bal Swan already uses wonderful tools such as weighted vests to help children regulate and feel calm. But Debbie Kunz of Bal Swan points out just how special it could be to have a furry version of that comfort. Imagine a child sitting in circle time with the dog beside them, gently resting his head in their lap while they listen, participate, and feel safe.
For children who experience social anxiety or become shy around their classmates, a dog can also offer a wonderful way to ease into the day. There are no pressures and no expectations, just a furry friend who is happy to sit beside them, offer a little love or simply be there for a quiet conversation.
The dog will also become part of therapeutic and everyday learning. His special vest will have zippered pockets where children may find a comb to brush him or even a fidget toy. And really, who wouldn’t want to get a fidget toy from a dog?
Those simple interactions can provide opportunities to practice fine motor skills through brushing and handling zippers, gross motor skills through standing, walking, and balancing, and important social skills such as turn taking, waiting, eye contact, and empathy. Children can also develop responsibility and a sense of leadership as they learn how to appropriately interact with and care for their new classmate.
Debbie will take on the responsibility of caring for Bal Swan’s new therapy dog, bringing him to work and making sure he gets plenty of breaks, including walks outside when he needs some time to recharge. He is expected to arrive next summer, already fully trained for what Bal Swan needs.
This amazing furry classmate will have so much to give to Bal Swan, from comfort and confidence to therapeutic support and unconditional companionship.
And in return, he will receive something pretty special, too: the unconditional love of hundreds of some of our community’s most amazing children.
For more information on Bal Swan Children’s Center, visit www.balswan.org.
