By Liz R. Kover
Animal Assisted Activities Director Marleys Mutts Dog Rescue
Reflecting on the last two years
It's a Dog's Life
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As we approach the end of another fruitful year at Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue, I’m moved to reflect upon how far we’ve come in the last two years, and the bright, potential-paved road that lies ahead in 2016. In addition to the (literally) thousands of dogs Marley’s Mutts has saved through rescue, and spay and neuter, we, the Miracle Mutts Crew, feel our influence can become a “preventative measure”. We strive to ensure that the animal caregivers of tomorrow understand the role each plays in making the world a safer, more love-filled place for all living beings, especially our four-legged family members.
In an effort to pay forward the gift that healing dogs have given us, we provide outreach, education, and animal-assisted activities to diverse populations of children and adults across Kern County. Together with their human handlers, our therapy dogs offer loving support to elderly residents in assisted living, children with developmental disabilities, those who’ve fled homes broken by domestic violence, those with emotional or behavioral challenges, veterans, adults with special needs, and families in transition at the Bakersfield Homeless Center.
Our educational efforts in schools seek to catch the dog guardians of tomorrow early, instilling in them the desire to care for, serve and protect all animals. By teaching kids how inextricably linked are human and canine wellness – in body, mind and spirit – we hope to show young people how taking good care of their pets is a direct vehicle to fulfilling their own potential for health and happiness. It is an effective and joyful way to cultivate social skills, emotional intelligence, and leadership qualities.
In working with men and women in residential addiction recovery at The Mission @ Kern County and the Ken Kennemer Center, our teams tap into the practical aspect of the human-canine partnership. It provides life and vocational training that readies individuals to reenter the work force equipped with viable skills in pet-related fields such as dog walking, pet sitting, dog grooming and dog training.
Miracle Mutts’ purpose is to connect Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue with the greater Kern community. Without your involvement, we wouldn’t be able to do the work we do! So as the New Year approaches, and you delve into planning events and activities for your classrooms, organizations or programs, please reach out and let us know you’d like to get our dogs involved! Email liz.kover@marleysmutts.com with questions, or fill out the interest form on our website: http://www.marleysmutts.org/miracle-mutts-request/. We hope to see you soon! Happy Holidays and best wishes from all of us on the Miracle Mutts Crew at Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue! – Liz R. Kover
Dog Speed, Liz R. Kover
Director, Community Outreach & Education @ Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue
