What's up dog?

Clifford turns two in August, he has been learning a therapy dog role in schools and the local dentist since he was 8 weeks old. He is fantastic with all the children at school, but especially with Neurodiverse youngsters from year 1-8. He is able to remain calm and distract anxious or worried children, and is much loved. At the dentist he assists children or adults who are very anxious and cannot come into the surgery without being sedated. With his help, the dentist has a much calmer patient and less stress. His skills cannot really be taught, he is probably the most child driven dog I have ever had in the role. Nothing phases him at school, he copes with scared children, upset children and ones who find it really hard to fit in. He also manages to educate youngsters on how to deal safely with dogs - so they don't approach a dog in the wrong way. Most of all he loves his job, and by doing it he raises money from the schools and the dentist to train other assistance dogs. He also raises awareness within the schools about the role working dogs have in daily life Hearing from parents that their child is now able to visit the dentist and look forward to it rather than require serious sedation is very rewarding. I love seeing him help non verbal children smile, and get the children who are scared of dogs confident. The stories and learning that happens is amazing. He is about to visit his first school camp this year, the children love him so much that there has to be a schedule or there are complaints! There should be more dogs in school, but it is a very rare dog that can cope with the energy of the children for extended periods. Clifford actually seeks out children and wants to be surrounded by Hughes groups of them, it's his happy place