Today the group had to get up early to make it to 4 Paws for Ability by 8 AM. Everyone woke up around 7 AM and had breakfast which consisted of food that we bought last night at Walmart (bagles, pop-tarts, coffee, etc.). The morning started off rather cool, but the sun was out. Once we got to our site, the group split up in to two group of four. Jordan, Stephanie, Casey and Bridget were in Group 1 and Alan, Kayla, Rachel and Karlee were in Group 2.
Group 1 spent the day working exclusively at 4 Paws. Each participant was paired up with a staff member at 4 Paws who showed them exactly what to do and how to do it. Everyone in our group especially noticed how welcoming the staff was today and enjoyed spending time with them. The staff genuinely cared for each and every dog at the facility and had its interest at heart. The chores that Group 1 completed today ranged from mopping the floors, cleaning kennels, clipping nails, cleaning out dogs' ears, feeding dogs and taking them out to run. Stephanie particularly enjoyed learning how to restrain the dogs in order for Bridget to clip their nails. The greatest part of Group 1's experience today was realizing that they help 4 Paws complete several tasks that they wouldn't normally be able to complete with the regular staff numbers. Volunteering our time helped ease the work load for 4 Paws tremendously.
Group 2 spent the day socializing the dogs. This task involves taking dogs out to local stores and observing how they react to different situations. Because these dogs are going to eventually be working as service dogs, they need to be prepared for any and all situations. Everyone in Group 2 really enjoyed heading to Elm Croft Nursing Home this morning with four Papillons (a dog breed). The residents at the nursing home LOVED seeing the small dogs and had a great time playing with them. As far as the rewarding experience of socializing the puppies, Kayla writes:
"I especially enjoyed watching how the Border collie puppy named Darwin gained so much confidence with going up and down stairs today. I was also so happy to see him be separated from his brother Blaster for a little bit and not be extremely upset about it. Seeing Darwin grow like this was the most special part of my day."
At the end of our day at 4 Paws, a number of us were allowed to exercise a few dogs that don't necessarily get to go outside as much as others because they are not part of the service dog training program. We were all glad that we could play a part in making the lives of these dogs better, if only just for today.
Once our day was over at 4 Paws, we headed to Beavercreek (a suburb of Dayton) to grab something for dinner. Several of the staff members had suggested we check out a local burger joint, EO Burgers. After dinner there, we headed to The Cheesecake for some dessert. The day was long and strenuous, but definitely worth every minute. We all had a great time and plan on switching tasks tomorrow.
Love from Xenia,
Stephanie Wood, Bridget Harvey, Casey Peetz, Kayla Flamm, Alan Keller, Rachel Higgins, Karlee Trankler and Jordan Duft
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