My wife, Michael, and I have been visiting “juvie,” as we call it, for over 20 years with our golden retriever therapy dogs.
Although much has changed in 20 years, one thing remains constant. The staff is exemplary. Working in difficult, often overcrowded conditions, they remain caring and kind.
It’s doubtful we could work for long in such a sad environment. So many of these misguided youths over the years have touched us, some to the point where we would like to take them home, give them decent parenting, and hopefully straighten them out. Likely wishful thinking. The youngest youth we have visited was 10 years old! Mixing these younger children with the older, more hardened youths sometimes just teaches them things they really don’t need to know. The staff does all they can to keep this from happening.
The unconditional love of our furry therapists goes a long way in getting the youths to talk openly. It’s a proven fact that animals have a calming effect on humans. Witness PTSD. Plus, these dogs are born empaths. They really know who needs them.
To the staff, one and all, we say thank you for allowing our visits, and for the exemplary work you do. You have one tough job.
