Local group provides canine support to Uvalde
One young boy had not said anything all week, but when two of the dogs laid down on him, a shy smile and giggle couldn’t help but leak out. Courtesy Photo
Pippa comforts a youngster at Uvalde’s Walmart as part of A Doggie 4U’s outreach to the community. Courtesy Photo
The Bandera Therapy Dog Group: Patricia Godkin with Pippa, Kim Pagenkopf with BJ, Steven Rice with Max, Justin Hart with Lexie, Matt (Bo) Boheler with Maggie, Courtney Gott with Wilma, Ron Winkleman with Cecil, and Adam Chapin with Estee. Courtesy Photo
Patricia Godkin got a call last week to bring her therapy dog Pippa to the Walmart in Uvalde to provide comfort to residents after the tragedy. She called the Warriors Heart K9 program to bring their dogs as well.
The group brought their canine companions to the Uvalde Walmart to provide comfort for the citizens who had experienced a traumatic week.
The group went on Sunday morning and set up at the Vision Center at the Walmart in Uvalde.
The dogs attracted many residents, from children to grandparents. Each person took time to pet and talk to the dogs there. The dogs leaned in or cuddled with people who needed some time to decompress and share a soft word or caress.
Godkin noted residents appeared stoic and composed, and she remarked that some broke down when petting the dogs and let tears flow.
One young boy had not said anything all week, but when two of the dogs laid down on him, a shy smile and giggle couldn't help but leak out.
The therapy dogs had a way of breaking through the walled off feelings and bringing out a little patch of joy for the people there.
One grandmother who had lost relatives to the shooting went around to every dog. She sat with each one, petted them and spoke softly.
Walmart also provided counselors for those who felt the need to talk. Separated off in a secluded area, the counselors spoke with residents and helped them process their feelings.
Walmart also had a large display of flowers which shoppers could purchase to take with them for the funeral services or lay at graveside.
A Doggie 4U also provides puppy therapy. They bring out a group of untrained puppies that romp, play and provide a welcome distraction to stressful situations.
The Warriors Heart K9 group’s handlers could relate to the residents in Uvalde. Many deal with PTSD on a daily basis, and their dogs are trained to provide comfort for people experiencing stress.
The visit went so well that the group made a second trip to the Uvalde Walmart the following weekend.
A Doggie 4U is partnering with other Hill Country rescues to begin a capital campaign to build a low cost spay and neuter clinic in Bandera County. The rescue houses approximately 120 dogs and is filled to overflowing with Covid puppies that people have surrendered.
Any money raised goes straight to the care of the dogs and salary for kennel workers. No executive staff members are salaried. Volunteers are also welcomed.
For more information, contact Patricia Godkin at A Doggie4U. Their website is adoggie4u.org or call at 210-385-0465. They can be reached by email at adoggie4u2.yahoo.com