By Lisa Kava
In late April, preschool children at the Twin Parks Montessori Schools on the Upper West Side, were greeted by special guest visitors in their classrooms. Dog therapy teams (therapy dogs and their human handlers) from New York Therapy Animals, came to class to say hello, to teach the children about dogs, and to tell the children about the important jobs that some dogs have.
New York Therapy Animals is a nonprofit organization that trains and registers therapy dog teams. Volunteers take a seven- week class with their dogs, then become an official therapy team. The teams visit students in schools, patients in hospitals, and seniors in assisted living facilities.
The Twin Parks Montessori Schools are located on three campuses; 91st and Central Park West, 103rd and Central Park West, and 93rd Street and Riverside Drive. “We are called Twin Parks because each of our campuses is across from Central Park or Riverside Park,” Executive Director Susan Kambrich told West Side Rag. The therapy dog teams visited children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old.
For some of the children, the visits were an introduction to dogs in general. “They learned how to pet a dog and to always ask the dog’s owner if they can touch the dog. They learned that there are different breeds of dogs,” Kambrich said. “They learned that some dogs, like these have jobs and that they can work in schools or hospitals.”
Twin Parks teacher, Kim Goldsmith, who is part of a therapy team with her dog, Winnie, was inspired to bring therapy teams to her school because of her own experience volunteering. She and Winnie often visit students in local colleges.
“Winnie is a big support to students while they are starting their semester at school. The students are frequently missing their own pets and the therapy dogs are a big stress reliever while they prepare for their finals,” Goldsmith said. “There’s nothing like a dog who comes up to you with a big smile, who gives lots of licks and requests belly rubs and scratches behind the ears.”
Goldsmith felt certain that therapy dog visits would be fun and educational for the children at Twin Parks. During the visits, handlers taught the children that they must ask two important questions, Goldsmith explained. “Is your dog friendly?” and “May I pet your dog?” For children who were timid or unsure, the handlers brought a small dog brush so that brushing the dogs was an option.
Spending time with Luna, a calm, large-breed dog helped a few of the children overcome their fears, Goldsmith noticed. “I was always scared of big dogs and now I love them,” one remarked after petting Luna.
Meeting therapy dogs was not new to the children at Twin Parks. Goldsmith had arranged virtual visits during the pandemic. But the recent in-person visits were more impactful, as the children were able to pet and interact with the dogs. Kambrich said the visits were such a success that she plans to schedule more in the future.
Nancy George-Michalson, the Executive Director of New York Therapy Animals is also a volunteer for the organization. George-Michalson and her dog Melodie participated in the Twin Parks visits. “I talked to the children about Melodie and what she likes to do for fun. I told them that dogs need to be good listeners,” George-MIchalson told the Rag. “I talked about how therapy dogs help people relax.”
The therapy teams who visited Twin Parks are experienced volunteering with children. They are part of a program called R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs.) In this program, children who might be struggling with reading read to a dog (who doesn’t judge) in a calm setting without any pressure. The mission of the R.E.A.D. program is to “improve the literacy skills of children through the assistance of registered therapy dog teams as mentors,” according to the website. The R.E.A. D. program partners with the NYC Department of Education.
New York Therapy Animals always welcomes new volunteers. If you think you and your dog might make a great therapy team and would like to learn more click here.
Thank you Twin Peaks and NY Theraphy Animals.
I would add one more instruction to children, “Always ask permission from your parent / guardian / caretaker before you approach any dog”. Thx WSR for this wonderful story.
Sweet. But someone needs to teach the parents of toddlers how to behave around dogs. I have a cute dog who is afraid of sudden moves and small children. I can’t believe that parents allow their children to run right up to the dog or shriek and run past. I keep him on a short leash and I keep my eyes open. No incidents yet, but it’s worrisome.
Had the opposite reaction. I wish someone could teach all dog owners about boundaries as well! My toddler knows appropriate boundaries and would never do what you’ve described. However, even when we try to stay away from unknown pets, owners allow their dogs to RUN up to my child. She gets licked across the face, they constantly jump on her, they jump up and bark in her face. Then the owners say “don’t worry, he/she is well behaved!” Clearly not well behaved if this is happening. Or they just say “don’t worry, it’s ok” but it’s actually not ok at all. I think there are just as many appropriate dog owners as there are parents who teach toddlers about boundaries around unknown pets 🙂
Love this! Now if only there was a way to teach adults…
What a unique learning experience for the children! Bravo to that exceptional teacher, Ms. Goldsmith, for being so creative in her lessons and kudos for sharing her creativity with the whole school! They are lucky to have her and I’m sure she’s a shining example who is a great ambassador for their school!
Thanks so much for this article. The photos are priceless!
The small dog I had for nearly two decades was naturally a good babysitter and extremely tolerant of sudden whacks and tail pulls. Together we joyfully allowed a large number of curious kids to learn a little more about dogs while out and about on walks and in the park.
It’s great fun!
I also agree that some parents could use a few lessons in training their kids. Maybe the kids will pass along some tips from class, lol.
And while most dogs around here are leashed, what about the times when they may not be and might inadvertently (or not) frighten a child/knock them over? Could be good to give kids a strategy for “unwanted attention” from doggies.
Wow, may be some adults dog owners can have lessons : keep dogs on a leash after 9 am, use doggie parks, not everyone loves your dog like it is child( dogs are not children).
I like dogs, had one for 16 years, but was jumped on and even bitten in riverside park . Most dogs are good pets( not all) , but most of dogs owners can use some training
Kim is some asset to the program. She puts in 100 percent of her time to make sure the virtual visits are enjoyed by all very good job
I just want to say that Pepper’s handler is me, Corinne. Pepper and I had an absolutely wonderful time with the children teaching them about dogs. Pepper and I have been a therapy dog team for many years and we love helping and teaching kids. It is very rewarding.
Sorry, Corinne! Fixed!
Sorry, but all I could see was the poor babies in masks!! When will the madness end!!